Identifying possible bioconstructions and other geo-morphological structures of interest. Biological fish studies and hidrographic sampling (CTD) over the seamounts

The BATEL-1 cruise was conducted from 4 to 14 June 2007 by the University of Bordeaux-1 (EPOC laboratory). The main objective was to obtain a database of optical and geochemical data in order to create algorithms to quantify the suspended particles and dissolved substances for the interpretation of MODIS, SPOT, ASTER and FORMOSAT-2 satellite images. The end purpose is to identify coastal water composition from satellite images. The second aim was to monitor the Adour river's turbidity plume during this period. In addition, measurements were taken to analyze the heavy metals, stratification of water masses (CTD) and for intercomparison of two fluorimeters. These measurements are currently being used by Ms. Petus (Thesis, Cifre grant). The cruise fell under the interregional Aquitaine-Euskadi programme.

The MEDITS_ES 2007 is an annual bottom trawl survey for estimation of the abundance and biomass of demersal species that are present in the Mediterranean Sea in spring, obtaining abundance indices of these species, as well as biometrical and biological information on species and communities. Complementary to these main objectives, also sampling for biological parameters estimation of 35 selected species were conducted. In addiction, in each haul, a sampling of temperature and salinity for water mass characterization was done, using a CTD.

This cruise was completed as part of the United Kingdom Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funded RAPID Programme to monitor the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation at 26.5ºN. The primary purpose was to service the Eastern Boundary and Mid-Atlantic ridge sections of the 26.5ºN mooring array. The Rapid-MOC array of moorings was deployed across the Atlantic to set up a pre-operational prototype system to continuously observe the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). This array will be further refined and refurbished during subsequent years as part of the Rapid-WATCH programme. The instrumentation deployed on the array consists of a variety of CTD loggers, current meters, bottom pressure recorders, and Inverted Echo-sounders, which, combined with time series measurements of the Florida Current and wind stress estimates, can be used to determine the strength and structure of the MOC.

Overall objectives in the EU GO project are to assess the promising potential of seismic imaging for physical oceanography, in view of its combination of fine resolution and coverage unmatched by conventional oceanographic measurements. D318 was to provide the means of assessment by obtaining a unique, comprehensive, oceanographic and seismic dataset at the same time and place. Specific objectives for R.R.S. Discovery cruise 318a were to deploy four ADCP moorings, three adjacent temperature-logger moorings and STABLE, in an L-shape array in 750-1000m depth east of Portimao Canyon, carrying out adjacent CTD stations, deploy two OBH moorings, carry out seismic sections using the Ifremer high-frequency air-guns and streamer, accompanied by regular XBT and less frequent XCTD casts. In addition underway data was logged including ship-borne ADCP, surface temperature and salinity, meteorology, gravity and magnetics (to test new NERC magnetometers).

The main objective of the project ATLANTIS is the study of fishing activities and marine resources of commercial interest in the FAO statistical subareas 41.3.1 and 41.3.2, within an ecosystem approach, paying particular attention to interactions between fishing activities and Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems, mainly on the High Seas of the SW Atlantic. From 1988 the IEO scientific observers onboard programme, gives commercial, biological, oceanographic and physical data (bathymetry, surface and sea bed temperatures, etc). A series of research cruises were carried out from 2007, on board the R/V Miguel Oliver, with the main objective of said research cruises was the quantitative, qualitative and geographical study and identification of the Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems and of the vulnerable organisms in the taxonomic groups who could live in the study area, including the proposal of marine areas to be protected, to allow sustainable exploitation of fishing resources without endangering the Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems. During the research cruises undertaken, from the surface to 1,500 m, in the south western Atlantic waters between 42ºS and 48ºS, a variety of data was obtained from the fieldwork on geology, geomorphology, benthos, fisheries and physical oceanography. The results include: a detailed cartographic and bathymetric study of the area, a description of the geological substratum and of the benthic features, an analysis of the abundance and distribution of the species of largest commercial fishing interest, a footprint analysis of the fishery, an identification and a description of the Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems. The research undertaken and its main findings led to the delineating of several areas to be protected, with a total area of 41,000 km2, according to presence of organisms classified as vulnerable.