Marine

What’s at our Disposal? The latest from the research vessel Alba na mara

June 20, 2018 by Marine Directorate Communications No Comments | Category Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science, Marine Directorate Surveys, Research Vessel Surveys

Survey: 0918A

Duration: 18 June – 1 July 2018

Sampling Gear: TV drop frame, TV winch and cable, 2 x day grabs and RoxAnn.

Objectives

1. To undertake grab, underwater television (UTV) and RoxAnn surveys of sea disposal sites and assess the condition of the seabed, identify the predominant benthic epifauna species, and the distribution of man-made debris. Some of the disposal sites are added as contingency.
2. The disposal sites identified for survey are:Ullapool, Isle of Eigg, Canna, LochMaddy, Stornoway, Lochinver, Scrabster, Scrabster Extension, Thurso, Wick, Fraserburgh, Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Arbroath, Montrose.In addition, a potential site at Uig may be surveyed between Ullapool and Isle of Eigg sites.It is not anticipated that all sites will be surveyed. However, the list allows for contingencies based on weather conditions.
3. Sediment samples for Objectives 1 will be analysed for chemical and physical parameters.
4. Drop-down TV survey of Caithness – Moray cable, working from north (Noss Head end) to south (Portgordon end).

Procedure

Scientific staff and equipment will be transported to Ullapool for loading the vessel and set-up selected survey equipment. The Alba na Mara will depart Ullapool as soon as possible on 18 June, and proceed to the most proximal sea disposal site to start the work programme outlined in Objective 1. Each sea disposal site will be surveyed in turn, subject to weather forecast, moving through the sites listed in Objective 2. The scientific crew change, will occur on 25 June at a port TBC. The Alba na Mara will then continue with the remaining sites detailed in Objective 2. The survey of the C-M cable, as outlined in Objective 4, will be by drop-down TV survey and last a maximum of three days…

Once sites listed in Objective 2 and 4 have been surveyed, Alba na Mara will proceed to the unloading port detailed above.

Further Information:

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

Tags: Alba na Mara, Moray Firth, RoxAnn, science

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