Cruise Report 6th November 1967

Cruise Report
F.R.S. "Explorer"
6th November - 6th December 1967.

The aim of this cruise was to compare the performances of a Granton trawl with 60fm bridles and standard boards and the SARO type A with 62.5fm bridles and large curved boards.

After loading gear and instruments on the 7th November, "Explorer" sailed from Aberdeen to join the F.R.V. "Ernesst Holt" on the Fladen grounds for instrumentation tests and final adjustment of the gears on both ships. This was successfully ompleted by 9th November and both ships returned to Aberdeen to off-load instruments.

Sailing for the second part of the cruise was delayed till 09.00 hours on 12th November due to gale-force winds in the North Sea. Both vessels made a good passage to the grounds where was to be commenced (Helnes Bank off the north coast of Norway), calling briefly at Tromso on the way for water and, in the case of "Ernest Holt", fuel.

Work was commenced on Friday, 17th November, in excellent weather and continued through till Wednesday, 29th November with only a few breaks due to adverse weather conditions. During this period a total of 27 valid pairs of hauls were made. Initially fishing was very good in the area with catches of 70-80 baskets being taken per 1.5 hours again.

The catches consisted almost entirely of cod (size range 20 to 100 cm), haddock (size range 12 to 80 cm) and redfish (size range 10 to 55 cm).

"Explorer" returned to Aberdeen in the early hours of 6th December, bad weather being encountered on most of the homeward journey.

the results of the experiment are being statistically analysed at present and a report will be prepared in conjuction with the Lowestoft laboratory in due course.

James A. Pope
26th December, 1967