#MarineNotice - Maynooth University will carry out a geophysical research survey off the North West Coast of Ireland from next weekend.
Work is expected to commence on Sunday 6 May and last for approximately nine days, subject to weather conditions.
The Marine Institute’s research vessel RV Celtic Voyager (Callsign EIQN) is scheduled to carry out the works for the Mara survey, undertaken by researchers in Maynooth University to collect geophysical acoustic survey data as well as sediment grab and core samples.
The survey will use relatively low amplitude sound sources to image into the seabed including an echosounder and a sparker system, which will allow for the characterisation of seabed type to inform the deglacial dynamics of the climatically driven British Irish Ice Sheet.
The vessel will, on occasion, be towing a hydrophone cable and other equipment, up to a maximum of 50 metres behind the vessel. The vessel will be restricted in its movements when towing a cable astern.
All other vessels are requested to give the operation a wide berth. The vessel will be listening on VHF Channel 16 throughout the project.
Details of the survey area, relevant co-ordinates and contact information are included in Marine Notice No 19 of 2018, a PDF of which is available to read or download HERE.