Marine

Surveying MPAs with Alba na Mara

August 30, 2017 by Marine Scotland Communications No Comments | Category Marine Directorate Science, Research Vessel Surveys

FIGURE 1: 2017 Stereo Camera Survey: Survey boxes with different VMS characteristics around: (A) Lochinver and (B) North Minch/Skye.

Duration: 31 August – 19 September 2017

Fishing Gear

• New drop/lander frame + calibration mesh
• HD TV system + lights
• Armoured cable + spare + axle stands
• Stereo TV system

Objectives

Programme 1517A will survey the waters around Lochinver and North Minch/Skye to collect stereo video imagery of Funiculina quadrangularis within survey boxes with different VMS characteristics. In addition, 1517A will also aim to survey around the Small Isles Marine Protected Area (MPA). The primary objective of this survey is to survey monitoring sites previously visited in 2012-2016 that support Scotland’s Priority Marine Features (PMFs). Work from these surveys will be used to determine the effect of MPAs established in Scottish waters. A secondary objective is that the data will contribute to a potential impact (BACI) study once protective measures within the MPA are introduced. Specific objectives are as follows:

1. To survey known Funiculina quadrangularis habitat using the stereo camera system within survey boxes with different VMS characteristics.
2. To conduct further assessments of Funiculina quadrangularis abundance within the Small Isles MPA and areas outside.
3. To further survey known populations of other priority marine feature (PMF) species within and outside the Small Isles MPA.

Stereo Camera System

Underwater stereo video of Funiculina quadrangularis within survey boxes with different VMS characteristics (Figure 1) will be captured using two HD cameras attached to the drop frame. Post-survey analysis will provide 3D length measurements of specimens encountered along each drift transect.

Benthic Survey 

Survey operations will take place between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 (all times BST). There will be a change of scientific staff at the half landing in Mallaig 9/10 September.

Operations

UW HDTV surveys of the seabed at various sites inside and outside the Small Isles MPA (see Figure 2) will be carried out. The survey will utilise the newly built modular camera frame (combined drop and lander frame – 2460 × 1900 × 1940 mm, L × W × H) deployed from the aft of the vessel. Species type, species densities and substrate type (assessed visually) will be classified for each video transect post-survey.

FIGURE 2: 2017 Survey boxes in and around the Small Isles MPA

Further Information

• Marine Scotland research vessels and surveys
• Other research vessel survey blogs

Tags: Lochinver, research, science, Survey

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