Summary Information for Field Activity 1981-038-FA

Area of Operations: Georges Bank, Lydonia Canyon, United States, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: November 09, 1981 to November 20, 1981

Chief scientist: Rick Rendigs

   Michael Rawson - LDGO

Objectives: Cruise BLM M-2 was the second in the seasonal sampling series to collect infauna and benthic sediment samples to be used as baseline analyses for the Georges Bank Lease Sale No. 42 Environmental Monitoring Program. The major emphasis of the program will determine the extent of deposition and accumulation of toxic materials as a result of oil drilling activities and any subsequent effects on the benthic biota.

Type of Activity: Sampling;

Information to be derived: Time series data; Samples and chemical analysis;

Summary: The cruise, due to some weather problems, was accomplished in two legs: Leg 1, 11/09/82 - 11/15/81; Leg 2, 11/17/81 - 11/20/81. The major portion of the data collection were sediment grab samples for chemical and biological analysis. The actual number of samples varied for the regional and site specific stations as did the need for camera stations at each site. Epibenthic trawls were undertaken using the Day Dredge with 1/2 inch mesh nylon netting liner to recover bivalves for tissue analysis. Water samples for DO and salinity were taken at near-bottom and surface depths at each regional site. XBT casts were made at each regional site.. With the exception of the camera sampling (because of earlier instrument loss), all primary site-specific stations were successfully completed. Due to weather and ship-time availability constraints not all of the proposed secondary site-specific stations were sampled. Mooring deployed: 1 (#239, recovered by fishing trawler ELIZABETH Nov. 10, 1981). Sediment samples: 63.

Contact: Rick Rendigs (rrendigs@usgs.gov)

InfoBank: uses the identifier O-8-81-GK. Visit this site for more information.

InfoBank: uses the identifier 2. Visit this site for more information.

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