Marine

MRV Alba na Mara: Survey 0115A Programme

January 14, 2015 by Marine Directorate Communications No Comments | Category Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science, Research Vessel Surveys

Duration: 5 – 21 January 2015

Gear:
Large TV drop frame
TV sledge
1 x 600m umbilical towing cable
1 x armoured cable
Video cameras and associated equipment (plus backup)
Four lasers and bracket for the drop frame
1 x BT201 prawn trawl (plus minimal spares)
Day grab and table
Prawn sorting table

Estimated Days per Project: 17 Days

Objectives:

• To obtain estimates of the Nephrops habitat distribution in South Minch sea lochs and inshore waters, using sediment grabs and underwater cameras.
• To obtain estimates of the distribution and abundance of Nephrops within these lochs using underwater video cameras.
• To compare two different methodologies to establish Nephrops burrow abundance (sledge compared to drop frame).
• To use the video footage to record occurrence of other benthic fauna and evidence of commercial trawling activity.
• To collect trawl caught samples of Nephrops for comparison of reproductive condition and morphometrics.
• To trial towing the TV sledge with the armoured cable in shallow water.

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