CRUISE 248
PRELIMINARY REPORT
CONTENTS
1. List of participants
2. Introduction
3. Scientific programmes
4. Highlights of Cruise
5. Study Area
6. Results
6.1. Biodiversity of Plankton
6.1 a. Physical Oceanography
6.1 b. Chemical Oceanography
6.1 c. Biological Oceanography
6.2 Survey of Marine Mammals
6.3. Demersal Fishing
7. Suggestions and Recommendations
Acknowledgement
2
1. List of Participants (Scientific Team)
Name
Dr. C. B. Lalithambika Devi
Designation
Chief Scientist
Institute
Responsibilities
NIO RC,
Over all Supervision of the
Kochi
Cruise
Monitoring and logistic
Dr. Saramma U.
Panampunnayil
Scientist – F
NIO RC,
support
Kochi
(Sign off at Port Blair on 25th
August 2006)
Dr. Gireesh R
Mr. Shiju, C.K.
Project Asst.
NIO RC,
Biodiversity of
P-V
Kochi
phytoplankton
Project Asst III
Miss. Honey U.K. Pillai
Project Asst III
Mr. Saneesh. A. V.
Project Asst III
Mr. Muhammed Rafeeq.M.M
Project Asst. II
Ms. Pravitha. V.P
Project Asst. II
Mr. Sivaraman Nair, K. K.
SLA
Mr. Anoop A. Krishnan
SRF
NIO RC,
Kochi
NIO RC,
Kochi
Species diversity of
phytoplankton
Species diversity of
zooplankton
NIO RC,
Physical oceanographic
Kochi
studies
NIO RC,
Physical oceanographic
Kochi
studies
NIO RC,
Species diversity of
Kochi
zooplankton
NIO RC,
Kochi
CMFRI, Kochi
Assistance to collect samples
Survey of marine mammals
3
Technical Team
Name
Mr. K.A. Renjan
Mr. B. Kishore Kumar
Designation
Fishing Master
(Jr.)
Institute
Responsibilities
Over all supervision of
CMLRE, Kochi
oceanographic instrument
operations
RTO
CMLRE, Kochi
Mr. V. Binoy
Fishing Hand
CMLRE, Kochi
Mr. M. Rathinavel
Fishing Hand
CMLRE, Kochi
-----do-----
Mr. S.B. Prakash
Fishing Hand
CMLRE, Kochi
-----do-----
Mr. M.R. Vipin
Fishing Hand
CMLRE, Kochi
-----do-----
Service
NORINCO Pvt.
Engineer
Ltd., Kochi
Service
NORINCO Pvt.
Engineer
Ltd., Kochi
Service
NORINCO Pvt.
Engineer
Ltd., Kochi
Service
NORINCO Pvt.
Engineer
Ltd., Kochi
Mr. T. Subish
Mr. R. Ratheesh
Mr. Sumesh.T.T
Mr. Shibu Paul
Technical support
Operation of oceanographic
instruments
Management and operation
of oceanographic
instruments
-----do-----
-----do-----
-----do-----
4
2. Introduction
The cruise 248 of FORV Sagar Sampada started from Tuticorin on 12th evening
(18.00 hrs) to study Plankton diversity and Survey of marine mammals in the Andaman Sea
during August- September, 2006 (South west monsoon season). The team reached at the
first station (13°N & 92°E) on 17th August at 17.50hrs. Water samples were collected with
CTD cast for phytoplankton studies, nutrient analysis and estimation of chlorophyll a from
the surface, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300 and 500. The zooplankton samples were collected with
Multiple Plankton Net sampler (from Mixed Layer Depth, Thermocline, Below the
Thermocline to 300 and 300-500m). Bongo net was operated twice for collection of
zooplankton samples. Trawling using HSDT was operated on 22nd morning for the study of
demersal fishery. After the completion of 15 Biodiversity stations (1st leg), reached Port
Blair on 23rd August and carried out boat collections around the Port Blair (Viper Island,
Minnie bay, Aberdeen Jetty, Ross Island, North Bay and Haddo Jetty) and Wandoor
National Park areas (Alexandra Island, Malay Island, Hobe day Island, and Red skin
Island). Samples from nearby Jolly Bouy Island was not collected due to bad weather
conditions.
The second leg of the cruise started from Port Blair on 25th August at 4.00 PM and
covered 5 Biodiversity stations and one additional station near to the active volcano
(Barren Island). The coastal collection was carried out off Diglipur on 27th morning. One
team went for coastal collection while the vessel has operated one trawl near the Diglipur.
Four stations (Areial Bay (Jetty), Minerva Bay, Jungle Island and Barkley point) were
covered in the coastal collection. The station Ross Island was omitted due to rough weather
conditions. The trawling was conducted only for half an hour due to engine failure. After
sampling at 4 stations from the coastal areas, the ship sailed on 28th morning to Chennai.
One of the stations (Station No. 7) was avoided since it was reported that there was
a buoy at that position. Another station (Station No. 17) was also avoided due to shallow
depth. According to the revised cruise track and sampling locations, 20 biodiversity
stations and 1 additional station were covered. In addition to this, samplings were done at
15 coastal stations.
5
3. Scientific programmes
Physical Oceanography
 Operation of CTD and collection of data on temperature, salinity and density.
 Collection of meteorological data.
Chemical Oceanography
 Samples for the analysis of nutrients were collected from different depth strata and
kept in the deep freezer.
Biological Oceanography
 Estimation of Chlorophyll a
 Collection of water samples for phytoplankton diversity studies.
 Collection of Zooplankton samples for diversity studies.
 Survey of marine mammals.
 Demersal Fishing.
6
4. Highlights of Cruise
Sl.
No
St. No
Lat.
Long.
Date
CTD
Chl a
Phyto
plankton
Nutrient
MPN Bongo
.
1
1875 (BD1)
13 00.022
91 59.791
17.08.06






2
1876 (BD2)
13 00.129
92 29.586
17.08.06






3
1877 (BD3)
12 30.398
92 30.021
18.08.06






4
1878 (BD4)
12 30.054
91 59.651
18.08.06






5
1879 (BD5)
12 30.285
91 30.001
18.08.06






6
1880 (BD6)
12 00.478
91 29.794
19.08.06






7
1881 (BD7)
12 00.142
92 09.927
19.08.06






8
1882 (BD8)
11 30.292
92 27.718
19.08.06






9
1883 (BD9)
11 30.001
92 00.000
20.08.06






10
1884 (BD10)
11 30.110
91 29.860
20.08.06






11
1885 (BD11)
11 30.090
93 00.114
20.08.06






12
1886 (BD12)
11 30.000
93 29.000
21.08.06






13
1887 (BD13)
11 30.090
93 59.595
21.08.06






14
1888 (BD14)
11 59.848
93 59.741
21.08.06






15
1889 (BD15)
12 00.157
93 30.047
21.08.06






16
*Barren
12 18.161
93 47.878
26.08.06






17
1890 (BD16)
12 30.112
93 59.775
26.08.06






18
1891 (BD17)
12 30.000
93 34.890
26.08.06






19
1892 (BD18)
12 30.248
93 20.078
26.08.06






20
1893 (BD19)
13 00.01
93 34.836
26.08.06






21
1894 (BD20)
13 00.201
93 19.990
27.08.06






* Samples were collected to study the POC content
7
5. Study area and station positions of cruise 248
14
13.5
Latitude (°N)
2
1
13
12.5
5
4
4
21
19
3
20
18
17
16
6
12
11.5
15
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
13
11
10.5
90
90.5
91
91.5
92
92.5
93
93.5
94
Longitude (°E)
Biodiversity stations
Additional station
Fishing stations
Fig 1. Cruise Track
8
6. RESULTS
6.1 a. Physical Oceanography
Submitted by Saneesh A. V. and Muhammed Rafeeq M. M., National Institute of
Oceanography, Kochi
During the cruise248, twenty Biodiversity stations were done. In addition to this, one
station covered on the western side of Barren, the active volcanic Island, (12° 18’.016” N
& 93° 47’.087” E). CTD (SBE Model 911 PLUS, Sea-Bird Inc.) was operated in all the
stations to collect temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen data at 1 m bin intervals.
Surface meteorological parameters were recorded in the Automated Weather System.
The salinity values from the CTD were corrected against the values obtained from
the ship borne Autosal. The velocity and the direction of the surface currents up to a depth
of 500 m were recorded by broadband 75 KHz ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current ProfilerOcean Surveyor) and the data were retrieved.
Weather conditions during the cruise period were characterized by SW/NE/N/NW
wind with speed between 3.7 and 11.1 m/sec. Air temperature ranges between 27.5 to
29.2°C and showed the diurnal variation of 1°C. The atmospheric pressure changed from
1005 mb to 1009.2mb. Sea surface temperature (SST) ranges between 28.2 to 28.63°C,
showed meridional variation and relatively high SST was observed at western side of
Andaman sea (Fig.2.) Preliminary analysis of salinity structure showed low saline water in
the surface (30.89 to 32.4 psu) of the Andaman waters. Shallow MLD (12 to 77m) and TB
(158 to 189m) were found around the Andaman Sea during the cruise period (South west
monsoon season).
9
13
13
12.8
12.8
12.6
12.6
12.4
12.4
12.2
12.2
12
12
11.8
11.8
11.6
11.6
11.4
91.5
11.4
91.5
92
92.5
93
93.5
92
92.5
(a)
93.5
(b)
13
13
12.8
12.8
12.6
12.6
12.4
12.4
12.2
12.2
12
12
11.8
11.8
11.6
11.6
11.4
91.5
93
11.4
92
92.5
93
(c)
93.5
91.5
92
92.5
93
93.5
(d)
Fig. 2. Distribution of (a) SST (°C), (b) SSS (psu), (c) TB(m) and (d) MLD(m)
6.1 b. Chemical oceanography
Water samples were collected from 7 depth strata (Surface, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300,
and 500m) and kept in the deep freezer for nutrient analysis. Dissolved Oxygen values
were obtained from CTD profiles with 1m-bin average for all the oceanic stations.
6.1 c. Biological Oceanography
Submitted by Gireesh R, Shiju, C. K., Honey U. K. Pillai and Pravitha V.P, National
Institute of Oceanography, Kochi
Estimation of chlorophyll a
Water samples for chlorophyll a estimation were collected from five standard
depths such as 0, 50,100,150 and 200 m (surface and bottom in coastal collections using
10
Niskin bottles). The water samples were filtered through Whatman No.1 GF/F paper and
kept in refrigerator for further analysis on shore laboratory.
Phytoplankton
Water samples were collected from surface, 50m, 100m and 150 and 200 m
water depths (surface and bottom in coastal collections). The samples were fixed in 1%
Lugol’s Iodine and preserved in 3% formaldehyde solution. The samples kept for species
identification in the shore laboratory.
Zooplankton
For the qualitative and quantitative study of zooplankton both stratified and surface
samples were collected from 21 oceanic and 15 coastal stations. Stratified samples were
collected using Multiple Plankton Net (MPN, mesh-200) from 4 standard depths such as
mixed layer, thermocline, bottom of thermocline up to 300m and 300-500 m. Surface
samples for Icthyoplankton studies were collected using Bongo net (mesh 300). WP net
(mesh 300) was used for collection of zooplankton in coastal waters. Collected samples
were fixed and preserved in 4% formalin for further analysis.
Salient observations.
 Major zooplankton groups were Copepods, Chaetognaths, Decapods fish larvae
etc.
 Pyrosoma (Class:Thaliacea) were found at deeper layers of 12° N Latitude
(Plate. 1).
 Pontellid copepods were dominant in the surface layers.
11
Plate 1: Pyrosoma colony
Details of costal stations
Port Blair
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Wandoor
1
2
3
4
Diglipur
1
2
3
4
Latitude ºN
Longitude º E
Haddo
Light house
Ross Island
Aberdeen Jetty
Bar mouth
Viper Island
Minnie Bay
11° 41.397
11° 41.486
11° 40.682
11° 40.345
11° 40.009
11° 39.833
11° 38.966
92° 43.143
92° 45.089
92° 45.474
92° 45.098
92° 45.692
92° 42.301
92° 42.471
Alexandra
Malay Island
Inter Island
(Channel)
Red skin Island
11° 34.867
11° 33.764
11° 31.401
92° 37.065
92° 37.023
92° 36.453
11° 33.066
92° 36.106
Arial bay (Jetty)
Jungle Island
Minerva Bay
Barkley point
(Arial Bay east)
13° 17.40
13° 20.34
13° 19.39
13° 16.87
93° 01.60
93° 02.22
93° 03.57
93° 02.37
6. 2. Survey of Marine Mammals
Submitted by Anoop.A.Krishnan, Research Fellow, CMFRI
The study on the geographical distribution of cetaceans is taken as an objective
during the present Cruise 248 along the west coast of India. As a part of survey on
cetaceans, following work were carried out.
 Sightings and photography of whales, dolphins and porpoises.
 Recording of hydrographical and meteorological data’s from the region of
cetaceans sightings.
Studies were carried along the east coast (Bay of Bengal) from Tuticorin to
Andamans and back to Chennai. Continuous watch (6.00 – 18.00 hrs) of cetaceans was
carried out mainly from the bridge of the vessel. A binocular and Nikon F 80 wide angle
zoom camera were employed to observe and capture appearance of cetaceans in the form of
12
spouts, dorsal fin, upper body, flipper, flukes and body coloration whenever possible.
Based on the reported description, if the species of a whale or dolphin is identified
unmistakably, its name was only recorded. In case there is a doubt, the species name was
mentioned, accompanied by “possible”. All others were treated as ‘unidentified’. Exact
location of cetacean sighted along with the general hydrographical (CTD) and
meteorological data (AWS) and a detailed description (to the possible extent) along with
the numbers were recorded. With the help of these data, the species identity could be
ratified in the future.
A total of 73 dolphins were sighted in the area between 05°N to 13° N latitude and
78° to 94° E longitudes during the present cruise. Altogether 4 sightings were done and
50% of the sighted cetaceans could be unmistakably “identified”, while the remaining was
“unidentified”. Photos have been taken wherever possible and would certainly lead to
identification up to genus or species level once other expertise are sought for ratification
based on present detailed description. All the sighted cetaceans were dolphins, whales
were not observed during the cruise. The species that were identified in the cruise were
Tursiops sp. (Bottlenose dolphin) and Stenella longirostris (Spinner dolphin).
During this cruise, distribution of dolphins were confined to Srilankan coast (Fig.
3). As the survey was mostly along deeper waters, the cetacean distribution was scanty.
10
off Trincomalee
9
off Trincomalee
8
7
off colombo
6
Great basis reef
5
4
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
13
Fig. 3 Distribution of Marine mammals during cruise 248
6. 3. Demersal Fishery
CMLRE and National Institute of Oceanography
Bottom Trawling using Expo net was conducted at Southwest Andamans (off North
Sentinal Island) and Northeast Andamans (off Diglipur). In the Southwest Andamans,
fishing ground was located at 11° 22 N Lat. and 092° 14 E Long. Trawling was conducted
for one hr at a depth of about 320m. The total catch was about 1.5 tons (Plate 2). In the
North east Andamans, trawling could be done only for half an hour due to engine failure.
The net was dragged at 318m and the total catch was about 150 kgs.
The most dominant forms were Aristius alcocki, Heterocarpus gibbonius, Panilurus
sewilli (Plate.3), Heteropriacanthus cruenatatus (Plate. 4), Priacanthus hamrur. The
detailed composition of the catch during both the collection has been represented in the
table given below. Preliminary assessment of the catch details suggests that the biomass
and species diversity was more at Southwest Andamans than the Northeast Andamans.
Plate 2: Total catch
14
Plate 3: Panilurus sewilli
Sl
No.
Phylum
1
Pisces
2
Crustacea
3
4
5
Porifera
Arthropoda
Molluscs
6
Echinoderms
Plate 4: Heteropriacanthus cruenatatus
Species/Common names/Family
Heteropriacanthus cruenatatus
Priacanthus hamrur
Gerres sp.
Tetradon sp.
Platycephalus sp.
Myripristis hexagona
Macroramphosus scolopax
Halientaea sp.
Lactarius lactarius
Orectolobidae
Ogcocephalidae (Frog fishes)
Saurida tumbil
Diplophos taenia
Scorpaenodes sp.
Onigocia oligolepis
Chascanopsetta lugubris
Solea sp.
Cynoglossus sp.
Deep sea sharks
Ribbon fishes
Eel
Aristius alcocki
Heterocarpus gibbonius
Panilurus sewilli
Deep sea lobster
Sponges
Crabs – 5 species
Trochus sp.
Nautilus sp.
Octopus sp.
Star fish
South west
Andamans
+**
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+**
+
+
+
+
+
+
+**
+
+**
+**
+
+
+
+
+
+
North east
Andamans
+**
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+**
15
7. Suggestions and Recommendations
 One Xerox machine is very essential for scientific works.
 The monitoring of the use of printer and xerox machine can be done strictly by the
Fishing Master.
 Adequate number of log sheets should be provided onboard.
 New books and journals may be provided in the library.
 New plankton winch to be installed at the earliest.
 Toilet of petty officers is not functioning properly.
 The toilet in the fourth deck and hospital to be repaired.
 The step from the wet lab to the trawl deck to be repaired at the earliest to avoid
accidents.
 Bongo net was damaged and one bucket was lost during operation, hence it may be
replaced.
Acknowledgment
Chief Scientist and the cruise participants are highly indebted to the Master of the
Ship, Capt. Y. Poojari and his officers and crews for the wholehearted co-operation and
support rendered during the cruise. Fishing Master Mr. K.A. Renjan deserves special
thanks for his active participation throughout the cruise. Our sincere thanks to Mr. B.
Kishore Kumar, Mr. S.B. Prakash, Mr. Rethinavel, Mr. V. Binoy and Mr. M.R.Vipin of
CMLRE and Mr. Subish, Mr. R. Ratheesh, Mr. Sumesh and Mr. Shibu of M/s Norinco
Pvt. Ltd. for their support and timely assistance for the successful completion of the cruise.
16