CEFAS24-151 ITT for the provision to provide King Scallop Dredge Surveys

As part of an ongoing research project, Cefas is collaborating with Defra and industry partners to carry out dredge fishing surveys with the aim of determining harvestable biomass of king scallop in the main fishing grounds around England. This Contract seeks to secure a suitable vessel and all management, crew, victuals, fuel, and other services necessary to carry out the requirements. Aims and Objectives The main objectives of the survey will be to: - carry out tows at predetermined survey locations using Newhaven commercial and modified scallop dredges; - count and measure all king scallops in designated survey dredges and retain samples for further analysis in the laboratory; - identify and count bycatch species. Cefas will provide two scientists to oversee the survey operations and undertake the scientific data collection, working with the vessel crew to deliver the objectives of the survey. The Skipper will be required to discuss and agree with the scientists a Detailed Operational Plan (DOP) before commencement of the survey, including the overall objectives and tow locations. This may be done via telephone, video call or onsite visit to the supplier (whatever is more practical with the time permitted). Scope of Requirements Cefas is collaborating with Defra and industry partners to carry out dredge fishing surveys to assess harvestable biomass of king scallop in the main fishing grounds of the English Channel, the Bristol Channel, and along the Yorkshire/Durham coast. Over the course of two annual surveys (one in May and one in September), the aim is to carry out a combined total of up to 260 tows, each tow with the gear on the ground for a duration of 15 minutes, at a speed of 2.5-3.0 knots, using a combination of Newhaven commercial and modified scallop dredges which are deployed simultaneously. Please note that the advertised budget represents the full potential contract duration of 4 years. Download the Bidder Pack at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for CEFAS24-151 under opportunities.