This cruise aims to investigate the seismic stratigraphy and palaeoceanographic evolution of the Le Danois contourite depositional system (Van Rooij et al., 2010), at several locations in the Le Danois "intraslope basin". Previous research (R/V Belgica in 2004, among others) has highlighted a significant correlation with the Cadiz CDS, suggesting a nearly simultaneous control by the Mediterranean Outflow Water since the Early Pliocene. As such, the Le Danois CDS is the only location in the Bay of Biscay where high-resolution climate change (e.g. bottom currents) may be recorded in a continuous way. It will assist in better constrain the role of the MOW in the thermohaline circulation system. Therefore, this large-scale sediment body is an ideal target for (a) investigating the MOW palaeoceanography within the NE Atlantic basin and (b) a palaeoclimatologic reconstruction of the Cantabrian margin. The main objective of this campaign is to acquire additional geophysical data which will give more insight in the construction and 3D evolution of this sedimentary deposit. This campaign will be executed in close cooperation with the Proyecto Coordinado CONTOURIBER (CTM 2008-06399-C04/MAR), with invited researchers from Spanish research institutes. More specifically, R/V Belgica ST1118a aims to perform: 1.High-resolution single channel sparker seismic profiling: investigation of the stratigraphic framework and the sedimentary environment in the western part of the intraslope basin between the Vizco High (west), the Lastras canyon system (east), Le Danois bank (north) and the Asturias slope (south). This will mainly focus on the lateral and temporal evolution of Le Danois drift and the Gijon drift and their interaction. The location of these profiles is determined based on industrial multichannel airgun profiles, in order to compare seismic methods with different penetration depths and seismic resolutions. We are very grateful to TGS-NOPEC for allowing us to use a large unpublished data set of seismic records from the Cantabrian Sea. 2.Hydrography: at specific sites in the intraslope basin, CTD casts will aim to better map the presence and behavior of the Mediterranean Outflow Water within the main elements of the Gijon and Le Danois drifts. The newly acquired Seapoint turbidity sensor will be able to indicate regions of active sediment transport within the Le Danois CDS. Multibeam bathymetry with the Belgica EM1002 will be only be used as a backup in case of spare time or failure of the other methods. The proponents are aware of the Marine Protected Area status of the Le Danois Bank, and will be vigilant to respect the guidelines of conducting scientific research. In order to ensure vigilance with respect to marine mammals, a team of whale watchers of MUMM, ULg (Belgium), CRMM (France) and OCEAMM (France) will be participating. This part of the campaign is a cooperation between the RCMG (UGent), the University of Vigo, the Geological Survey of Spain (IGME), the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO), the Spanish Institute of Marine Sciences (CMIMA-CSIC) and the University of Cádiz.

Abundance indices, distribution patterns and faunal assemblages of demersal species in the northern coast of Spain (Atlantic Galician shelf and Cantabrian sea shelf), together with the possible driving factors of their distribution

The main aim of the Triennial surveys is to estimate the spawning stock biomass of mackerel and horse mackerel applying the Annual and Daily Egg Production Method (AEPM and DEPM). The method relates the number of freshly spawned eggs found in the water column to the number of female having produced these eggs. Knowing the fecundity of the females and the sex ratio provides an estimate for the spawning-stock Biomass. In the frame of the ICES WGMEGS,AZTI is in charge of sampling the area of the Bay of Biscay. Sampling consist in collecting plankton samples to identify and stage the mackerel and horse mackerel eggs. Environmental parameters: At each station profile of sea temperature and salinity are recorded.

The main aim of the Triennial surveys is to estimate the spawning stock biomass of mackerel and horse mackerel applying the Annual and Daily Egg Production Method (AEPM and DEPM). The method relates the number of freshly spawned eggs found in the water column to the number of female having produced these eggs. Knowing the fecundity of the females and the sex ratio provides an estimate for the spawning-stock Biomass. In the frame of the ICES WGMEGS,AZTI is in charge of sampling the area of the Bay of Biscay. Sampling consist in collecting plankton samples to identify and stage the mackerel and horse mackerel eggs. Environmental parameters: At each station profile of sea temperature and salinity are recorded.

Evaluation of demersal and benthic ecosystem in the northern coast of Spain, using bottom trawl surveys

Conducting systematic sampling contemplated within the research project IEO oceanographic time series data in the Gulf of Cadiz.

The main aim of the Triennial surveys is to estimate the spawning stock biomass of mackerel and horse mackerel applying the Annual and Daily Egg Production Method (AEPM and DEPM). The method relates the number of freshly spawned eggs found in the water column to the number of female having produced these eggs. Knowing the fecundity of the females and the sex ratio provides an estimate for the spawning-stock Biomass. In the frame of the ICES WGMEGS,AZTI is in charge of sampling the area of the Bay of Biscay. Sampling consist in collecting plankton samples to identify and stage the mackerel and horse mackerel eggs. Environmental parameters: At each station profile of sea temperature and salinity are recorded.

The main aim of the Triennial surveys is to estimate the spawning stock biomass of mackerel and horse mackerel applying the Annual and Daily Egg Production Method (AEPM and DEPM). The method relates the number of freshly spawned eggs found in the water column to the number of female having produced these eggs. Knowing the fecundity of the females and the sex ratio provides an estimate for the spawning-stock Biomass. In the frame of the ICES WGMEGS,AZTI is in charge of sampling the area of the Bay of Biscay. Sampling consist in collecting plankton samples to identify and stage the mackerel and horse mackerel eggs. Environmental parameters: At each station profile of sea temperature and salinity are recorded.

The campaign targets under INCOECO 1012, to carry on board the research vessel Angeles Alvariño, are the identification and mapping of habitats and characterization of biogenic benthic and demersal species. Specific objectives focus on the investigation of benthic Bank area of La Concepción by direct and visual methods. Specifically: · Intensive videogrammetry HD visual and sampling with ROV Liropus 2000 · Extensive visual videogrammetry HD with sled towed "APHIA 2012". · Study epibenthic fauna through the use of beam trawl, to capture sessile and reduced mobility fauna in shallow soft bottoms and rock, and rock dredge for qualitative sampling of wildlife sessile hard bottom fauna. · Study of the endobenthic fauna by use of the meso mud dredge box-corer. · Recognition with multibeam bathymetric and TOPAS parametric probe.

Getting the spatial distribution and abundance indices of benthic and demersal fauna of the continental shelf of Galicia and Cantabrian Sea. Hydrographic survey of the neritic zone led to its influence on the distribution of species. Sampling using a box corer to obtain granulometrics indices of sediment.