Marine

Sampling and Surveying the Sea Lochs

August 2, 2018 by Marine Directorate Communications No Comments | Category Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science, Marine Directorate Surveys, Research Vessel Surveys

Survey: 1118A MRV Alba na Mara

Duration: 27 July – 07 August 2018

Gear:

• Day grabs (x 2) – supplied by Marine Scotland Science (MSS)
• Craib corer – supplied by MSS
• Drop-down video frame – supplied by Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) mooring.

Objectives:

The objectives of this survey are to:

1. Sample sediment in sea lochs (north coast and west coast) using day grab
2. Sample sediment in sea lochs (north coast and west coast) using Craib corer
3. Use drop-down video to survey seabed in sea lochs (north coast and west coast)
4. Sample kelp detritus in sea lochs (north coast; west coast) using day grab
5. Deploy a mooring with ADCP in the Pentland Firth.

The MRV Alba na Mara is currently at sea amongst the sea lochs of north west Scotland, collecting sediment samples, as part of a research project involving Marine Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the universities of St Andrews and Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).

This project will attempt to advance our understanding of the role of Scotland’s seas as a carbon store (so-called “blue carbon”). It is believed that the sequestration (locking in) of carbon compounds in marine sediments could account for around one-fifth of Scotland’s emissions of greenhouse gases. Improving our understanding of this important carbon sink, especially within our Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area network, is important when assessing the threats to future carbon storage in our seas, such as physical disturbance, increased storminess or a warming ocean.

Currently aboard are Professor William Austin and Dr Craig Smeaton from the University of St Andrews, and Professor Michael Burrows and Alasdair O’Dell from SAMS, along with Marine Scotland Scientists.

William and Craig are looking at the organic material within sediments, to try and quantify the carbon locked away at the bottom of sea lochs, whilst Mike and Alasdair are interested in the role of kelp as a carbon store. The team are taking grab samples of surface sediments, followed by cores of deeper sediments in softer muddy areas of the lochs to examine the biogeochemistry of the samples. Additionally, Alasdair’s PhD involves the use of a drop-down camera system which he designed, and has collected some stunning photographs of the seabed, specifically targeting fragments of decaying seaweed.

The scientists and crew have been very fortunate with some fine weather and the opportunity to visit some places rarely explored by ship, deep into Scotland’s fjord-like sea lochs with stunning mountain scenery and wildlife such as dolphins, porpoises, seals and eagles.

Further Information:

• Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
• Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)
• University of St Andrews
• University of Glasgow
• University of Heriot-Watt
• Marine Scotland Science (MSS)
• Previous Research Survey Blogs

Tags: Alba na Mara, marine science, Pentland Firth, sampling, SAMS, science, Survey

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