Marine

Jointly Surveying Marine Protected Areas

October 20, 2017 by No Comments | Category Marine Directorate Science, Research Vessel Surveys

Figure 1: Location of Marine Protected Areas to be visited by 1517S survey.

Duration: 20 October – 9 November 2017

Fishing Gear

  • TV drop frame and wiring harness
  • TV sledge and wiring harness
  • Valeport mini-CTD
  • 0.25m2 USNEL BSL Box core
  • 0.1m mini Hamon grab
  • 0.1m Day Grab (backup)
  • 0.1m Van Veen Grab (backup)

Background

Marine Scotland Science (MSS) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) will undertake an offshore seabed survey in the Northeast Faroe-Shetland Channel (NEF hereafter), Scottish Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (NCMPA) and the Wyville Thomson Ridge (WTR) on the Marine Research Vessel (MRV) Scotia (Figure 1). Habitats within the NEF MPA vary down the slope with the descent into deeper (arctic) water. In particular the FSC survey will focus on deep-sea sponge aggregations that are expected to be found between depths of 400 and 600 m. The MPA represents the variation in sand, mud and gravel habitat types present, and the animal communities they support.

Objectives

Figure 2: Sampling boxes A, B and C with chariot tow start and end points for North-east Faroe-Shetland Channel NCMPA.

  1. Conduct a Type 1 (Henry and Roberts, 2014) monitoring survey of the NEF NCMPA focusing sampling within boxes positioned to allow for sampling to occur across the range of depths, biological zones and proposed management measures at the site. This will include visual (camera) and physical (box corer or grab)sampling (Figures 2 and 3). Visual data will be collected from areas understood to contain deep-sea sponge aggregations within the site boundary (Box A) and from adjacent areas outside the site (Boxes B and C) along the same depth contours. Physical samples will be obtained for further for further characterisation of the wider seabed within the site (Box D). Environmental data will be collected during visual sampling.

    Figure 3. Physical sampling stations (60) generated for NEF NCMPA in Box D (purple). Note 30 of these stations are considered core with a further 30 contingency only.

  2. Conduct a Type 1 monitoring survey of the WTR (Figures 4 and 5) focusing on sampling within boxes A, B and C which are positioned to allow for sampling to occur across the range of depths, biological zones and proposed management measures at the site. The focus will be on visual (camera) methods only. Environmental data will be collected during visual sampling.

Narrative

After completion of safety drills and exercises, there will be shakedown deployments of the chariot, box corer and Harmon grabs. Thereafter, Scotia will proceed north towards the NEF area.

In boxes A-C four long (~3km) chariot tows (Figure 2) will be used to characterise the epifaunal communities present within the boxes and 16 short (200m) drop-frame camera transect stations (not illustrated) will facilitate collection of high definition video and still images. In box D 60 stations have been generated of which a core 30 will be prioritised for physical sampling. Initially the vessel will sample with chariot and box core/Harmon grab in alternate 12 hour shifts until all chariot runs are completed. Thereafter, sampling may concentrate on the dropframe runs until these are completed with the remainder of the time used for remaining box core/Harmon grab deployments. Where time permits sampling of suitable sponge aggregations may be undertaken in boxes B or C using box core or Harmon grab.

Figure 4. WTR sampling box A and drop-frame stations.

Upon completion of work at NEF the vessel will proceed to WTR and visually sample in box A using the drop frame using a systematic grid approach (Figure 4). Sampling will also focus on the area within and adjacent to a proposed static gear closure to determine the distribution and extent of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), including sponges and corals (Figure 5).

Figure 5. WTR sampling boxes B and C along with existing data and drop-frame stations.

Tables 1-3 show positional information for the visual aspects of the survey. Positions of physical sampling stations and all contingency stations will be available to MRV Scotia.

For the purposes of this survey the NEF will be prioritised over the WTR and visual sampling will be prioritised over physical sampling.

Contingency plans in NEF to undertake further physical sampling in box D where moderate conditions preclude camera work. In WTR contingency for moderate weather is sampling with Harmon grab at a predefined location to the west of the site. In both cases contingency includes transit to already identified inshore survey locations in the event of prolonged unworkable conditions.

A full and detailed survey plan and scientific rationale will be presented at the pre-brief meeting, before the beginning of the survey.

Table 1: NEF Chariot tows and positions.

Stn Code Deployment Recovery
Box A Deg
NEF_Tow_A01 61 57.268 N 0 37.968 W 61 58.047 N 0 34.842 W
NEF_Tow_A02 61 56.861 N 0 27.718 W 61 57.465 N 0 23.990 W
NEF_Tow_A03 62 0.908 N 0 17.895 W 62 1.251 N 0 14.178 W
NEF_Tow_A04 62 0.183 N 0 10.523 W 62 0.686 N 0 6.927 W
Box B
NEF_Tow_B01 61 43.293 N 1 13.743 W 61 44.086 N 1 10.655 W
NEF_Tow_B02 61 43.705 N 1 3.603 W 61 44.801 N 1 0.763 W
NEF_Tow_B03 61 47.890 N 0 59.275 W 61 49.142 N 0 56.121 W
NEF_Tow_B04 61 50.701 N 0 48.649 W 61 51.817 N 0 46.022 W
Box C
NEF_Tow_C01 62 4.079 N 0 6.789 E 62 4.841 N 0 9.945 E
NEF_Tow_C02 62 2.049 N 0 17.017 E 62 2.325 N 0 20.493 E
NEF_Tow_C03 62 6.553 N 0 26.445 E 62 6.877 N 0 30.181 E
NEF_Tow_C04 62 6.225 N 0 38.439 E 62 6.706 N 0 42.059 E

 

Table 2: NEF Dropframe stations and positions.

Stn Code Deg DecMin N Deg DecMin E/W
Box A
NEF_A01 61 57.710 N 0 36.368 W
NEF_A02 62 1.068 N 0 16.077 W
NEF_A03 62 0.519 N 0 8.663 W
NEF_A04 61 57.172 N 0 25.510 W
NEF_A05 61 56.608 N 0 40.328 W
NEF_A06 61 59.047 N 0 31.353 W
NEF_A07 61 59.852 N 0 27.042 W
NEF_A08 62 0.499 N 0 22.013 W
NEF_A09 61 54.385 N 0 38.684 W
NEF_A10 61 56.026 N 0 33.050 W
NEF_A11 61 58.003 N 0 19.744 W
NEF_A12 62 1.060 N 0 3.211 W
NEF_A13 61 58.959 N 0 16.145 W
NEF_A14 61 59.802 N 0 12.673 W
NEF_A15 62 1.962 N 0 10.896 W
NEF_A16 62 2.562 N 0 5.434 W
Box B
NEF_B01 61 43.728 N 1 12.023 W
NEF_B02 61 48.573 N 0 57.578 W
NEF_B03 61 44.251 N 1 2.313 W
NEF_B04 61 51.322 N 0 47.316 W
NEF_B05 61 41.637 N 1 15.627 W
NEF_B06 61 44.859 N 1 7.086 W
NEF_B07 61 46.564 N 1 2.587 W
NEF_B08 61 50.693 N 0 52.610 W
NEF_B09 61 52.391 N 0 50.681 W
NEF_B10 61 54.081 N 0 47.600 W
NEF_B11 61 49.452 N 0 50.586 W
NEF_B12 61 48.159 N 0 53.629 W
NEF_B13 61 46.275 N 0 57.249 W
NEF_B14 61 42.370 N 1 5.195 W
NEF_B15 61 41.350 N 1 9.640 W
NEF_B16 61 39.564 N 1 12.565 W
Box C
NEF_C01 62 4.459 N 0 8.347 E
NEF_C02 62 6.794 N 0 28.457 E
NEF_C03 62 2.157 N 0 18.821 E
NEF_C04 62 6.421 N 0 40.138 E
NEF_C05 62 3.373 N 0 2.688 E
NEF_C06 62 5.709 N 0 14.410 E
NEF_C07 62 6.291 N 0 21.398 E
NEF_C08 62 7.232 N 0 35.057 E
NEF_C09 62 8.661 N 0 43.077 E
NEF_C10 62 10.457 N 0 47.875 E
NEF_C11 62 2.230 N 0 6.594 E
NEF_C12 62 3.161 N 0 13.272 E
NEF_C13 62 3.936 N 0 19.982 E
NEF_C14 62 4.489 N 0 26.802 E
NEF_C15 62 5.032 N 0 33.664 E
NEF_C16 62 7.788 N 0 46.596 E

 

Table 3 WTR Dropframe Station

Stn Code Deg DecMin Deg DecMin
Box A
WTR_A001 60 4.519 N 7 26.152 W
WTR_A002 60 2.628 N 7 24.087 W
WTR_A003 60 6.359 N 7 23.906 W
WTR_A004 60 0.736 N 7 22.026 W
WTR_A005 60 4.467 N 7 21.841 W
WTR_A006 60 2.575 N 7 19.780 W
WTR_A007 60 6.306 N 7 19.591 W
WTR_A008 60 0.682 N 7 17.723 W
WTR_A009 60 4.413 N 7 17.531 W
WTR_A010 60 2.519 N 7 15.474 W
WTR_A011 60 6.250 N 7 15.277 W
WTR_A012 60 0.625 N 7 13.421 W
WTR_A013 60 4.356 N 7 13.220 W
WTR_A014 60 8.086 N 7 13.019 W
WTR_A015 59 58.730 N 7 11.372 W
WTR_A016 60 2.461 N 7 11.168 W
WTR_A017 60 6.192 N 7 10.963 W
WTR_A018 60 0.566 N 7 9.119 W
WTR_A019 60 4.297 N 7 8.910 W
WTR_A020 60 8.027 N 7 8.701 W
WTR_A021 59 58.670 N 7 7.074 W
WTR_A022 60 2.401 N 7 6.862 W
WTR_A023 60 6.131 N 7 6.649 W
WTR_A024 60 0.505 N 7 4.817 W
WTR_A025 60 4.235 N 7 4.601 W
WTR_A026 60 7.966 N 7 4.383 W
WTR_A027 59 58.608 N 7 2.777 W
WTR_A028 60 2.338 N 7 2.556 W
WTR_A029 60 6.069 N 7 2.335 W
WTR_A030 60 0.441 N 7 0.516 W
WTR_A031 60 4.171 N 7 0.291 W
WTR_A032 59 58.543 N 6 58.480 W
WTR_A033 60 2.273 N 6 58.251 W
WTR_A034 60 6.004 N 6 58.022 W
WTR_A035 60 0.375 N 6 56.215 W
WTR_A036 60 4.105 N 6 55.982 W
WTR_A037 60 2.206 N 6 53.946 W
WTR_A038 60 5.936 N 6 53.709 W
WTR_A039 60 0.307 N 6 51.914 W
WTR_A040 60 4.036 N 6 51.673 W
WTR_A041 59 58.406 N 6 49.886 W
WTR_A042 60 2.136 N 6 49.642 W
WTR_A043 60 0.236 N 6 47.614 W
WTR_A044 60 3.966 N 6 47.365 W
WTR_A045 59 58.335 N 6 45.590 W
WTR_A046 60 2.064 N 6 45.338 W
WTR_A047 59 56.433 N 6 43.570 W
WTR_A048 60 0.163 N 6 43.314 W
WTR_A049 60 3.892 N 6 43.057 W
WTR_A050 59 58.261 N 6 41.295 W
WTR_A051 60 1.990 N 6 41.034 W
WTR_A052 59 56.358 N 6 39.279 W
WTR_A053 60 0.087 N 6 39.015 W
WTR_A054 59 54.455 N 6 37.267 W
WTR_A055 59 58.184 N 6 36.999 W
WTR_A056 60 1.914 N 6 36.731 W
WTR_A057 59 56.280 N 6 34.988 W
WTR_A058 60 0.010 N 6 34.715 W
WTR_A059 59 54.376 N 6 32.980 W
WTR_A060 59 58.105 N 6 32.704 W
WTR_A061 60 1.835 N 6 32.428 W
WTR_A062 59 56.201 N 6 30.697 W
WTR_A063 59 59.930 N 6 30.417 W
WTR_A064 59 54.295 N 6 28.693 W
WTR_A065 59 58.024 N 6 28.410 W
WTR_A066 60 1.753 N 6 28.125 W
WTR_A067 59 52.390 N 6 26.693 W
WTR_A068 59 56.119 N 6 26.406 W
WTR_A069 59 59.847 N 6 26.118 W
WTR_A070 59 54.212 N 6 24.407 W
WTR_A071 59 57.941 N 6 24.116 W
WTR_A072 59 52.305 N 6 22.411 W
WTR_A073 59 56.034 N 6 22.117 W
WTR_A074 59 59.763 N 6 21.820 W
WTR_A075 59 50.398 N 6 20.420 W
WTR_A076 59 54.127 N 6 20.121 W
WTR_A077 59 57.855 N 6 19.822 W
WTR_A078 59 48.490 N 6 18.432 W
WTR_A079 59 52.219 N 6 18.130 W
WTR_A080 59 55.947 N 6 17.827 W
WTR_A081 59 59.676 N 6 17.523 W
WTR_A082 59 50.310 N 6 16.142 W
WTR_A083 59 54.039 N 6 15.836 W
WTR_A084 59 57.767 N 6 15.529 W
WTR_A085 59 52.130 N 6 13.849 W
WTR_A086 59 55.858 N 6 13.538 W
WTR_A087 59 50.220 N 6 11.865 W
WTR_A088 59 53.949 N 6 11.551 W
WTR_A089 59 52.039 N 6 9.568 W
WTR_A090 59 50.128 N 6 7.589 W
WTR_A091 59 51.945 N 6 5.288 W
Box B
WTR_B001 59 52.515 N 5 56.750 W
WTR_B002 59 52.323 N 5 57.857 W
WTR_B003 59 51.811 N 5 57.503 W
Box C
WTR_C001 59 51.935 N 5 54.408 W
WTR_C002 59 51.864 N 5 58.711 W
WTR_C003 59 52.608 N 5 55.580 W
WTR_C004 59 52.029 N 5 55.759 W
WTR_C005 59 52.989 N 5 58.700 W

Further Information

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