Marine

  • Surveying MPAs with Alba na Mara

    30th August 2017 by

    Alba na Mara

    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...

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  • Keeping track at Armadale: Last update from the tracking project

    29th August 2017 by

    The tagging at Armadale ended on 25 August with no further salmon tagged over the last 12 days. This suggested to us that the grilse run had finished. We will recover and download the receivers in due course, to see how many of and where the tagged fish were registered and a project report should be...

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  • IA2017 – Mixed signals for marine mammals

    28th August 2017 by

    OSPAR banner

    The abundance and condition of marine mammals, as top predators, can help indicate the state of the marine ecosystem. As was also the case at the time of the last OSPAR Quality Status Report (QSR 2010), harbour seal and grey seal populations are generally stable or increasing in most assessed areas although some harbour seal...

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  • When I’m calling you…

    21st August 2017 by

    two dolphins

    A new paper using underwater sounds to classify dolphin species has been published by researchers from the University of St Andrews and Marine Scotland Science (MSS). Many species of marine mammals use sound to navigate the seas and find food and their echolocation clicks can be detected by specialised underwater acoustic instruments. The MSS East...

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  • IA2017 – Cooperation ensures progress

    21st August 2017 by

    OSPAR banner

    The OSPAR Commission is the competent regional organisation guiding international cooperation on the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. Through the global circulation of water and air, the North-East Atlantic is connected to, and impacted by, events in other parts of the world. As such, collaboration among governments and between government scientists,...

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  • Keeping track at Armadale: Update three from the tracking project

    15th August 2017 by

    As at 13 August, we have tagged around 70 salmon. A later run of grilse, as hoped, has therefore not yet materialised. We are reviewing the situation to decide whether we could and should continue beyond our planned end date of 25 August. Further Information Keeping track at Armadale: Update two from the tracking project

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  • IA2017 – Discharges from offshore oil and gas installations have decreased due to OSPAR measures

    14th August 2017 by

    OSPAR banner

    OSPAR has developed programmes and measures in respect of all phases of offshore oil and gas activities and undertakes annual assessments of discharges, spills and emissions from offshore oil and gas installations. Hydrocarbons and ‘chemicals’ are routinely discharged to the marine environment during offshore oil and gas operations. Assessment of the data for the period...

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  • Taking the temperature with the MRV Scotia

    11th August 2017 by

    Scotia in Scapa Flow by Michael Stewart

    Next MRV Scotia Survey  Duration: 10 – 30 August 2017 Fishing Gear: GOV Trawl (BT 137) with Ground Gear A & B Objectives To complete an internationally coordinated demersal trawling survey in the North Sea in ICES area IV.  To obtain temperature and salinity data from the surface and seabed at each trawling station using...

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  • Modelling the future – and the past

    10th August 2017 by

    Hydrodynamic models are computer programs that simulate the movement, temperature, salinity and other properties of our seas. These models can complement observations to describe the physical marine environment in the past and the present, and provide forecasts. Marine Scotland has led the development of a model for the Scottish continental shelf waters called the Scottish...

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  • IA2017 – Contaminant concentrations are decreasing, but concerns remain

    7th August 2017 by

    OSPAR banner

    OSPAR countries have made significant efforts to reduce discharges, emissions, and losses of contaminants to both air and water. The effect of these efforts is clearly visible in reduced inputs to the Greater North Sea. The observed decreases in contaminant release from land-based sources and the offshore oil and gas industry show the continued progress...

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