The MRV Alba na Mara cruise will be conducting the survey below in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage.
The purpose of the cruise is to investigate the distribution and quality of benthic biotopes around Scotland.
The data are required to underpin designation and management of the new suit of marine protected areas.
The survey aims in particular to study the outer margins of several possible MPAs and to sample potential carbonate sands around Shetland.
Objectives
– To investigate areas that may provide potentially suitable habitats for priority marine species using the drop-camera frame;
– To collect seabed samples using the day grab for sediment size classification, infaunal analysis and carbonate content analysis. Collected infaunal samples will be stored in 4% formalin;
– To carry out dredging for sandeels in the Mousa to Boddam and North-East Lewis areas.
Press Release, August 07, 2014