Vessel and Crew to support the Sea Cucumber Mission - NL

1. Title

   Vessel and Crew to Support the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), NL Region, Sea Cucumber Survey mission

2. Introduction

   Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking availability of a capable non-CCG Oceanographic Research Vessel to conduct its Summer 2022 “NL Region, Sea Cucumber Survey mission”. Specifically, an Oceanographic Research Vessel is required for 10 consecutive days from as soon as September 09, 2022 to 20 September, 2022.

3. Objectives of the Requirement

• To assess the status of Sea Cucumber stocks on the St. Pierre Bank (NAFO Subdiv. 3Ps)
• To collect biological samples including counts and size-specific weights of sea cucumber
• To determine abundance of sea cucumber, and starfish
• Numerate and sample other large benthic invertebrate

4.Background, Assumptions and Specific Scope of the Requirement

4.1 Background

Resource Management, DFO requested advice on the 3Ps sea cucumber stock in 2021/2022 and in 2020/2021. However, the Sea cucumber survey on the CCGS Alfred Needler for August/September 2021 was recently cancelled due to vessel maintenance requirements. In addition, the 2020 survey for this stock was cancelled due to COVID-19 related concerns. The last survey of this stock was in 2016/2017.

4.2 Scope

Resource Management, DFO require advice for this stock for 2022/2023. The 3Ps sea cucumber stock is split into 2 areas (North- west and South- east). The North- west has had a relatively stable TAC around 2200 T which have been fully caught from 2015-2020. The south- east area was closed to fishing from 2010 to 2016. In 2017 temporary permits were issued. The TAC in 2017 was set at 3,773 T (38% caught) and was maintained in 2018 (88% caught). In 2019, the TAC in the south-east area was increased to 4,717 T (93% caught) in the absence of updated stock advice from an assessment and was maintained in 2020 (95% caught). - If the Sea Cucumber survey does not go ahead, it will not be possible to conduct a stock assessment in 2022-2023 or provide science advice to Resource Management. Consequently, we will be unable to analyze the impact that the relatively newly re-implemented fishery in the south-east area is having on the stock, especially since the TAC has been increased in 2019.

The survey will involve steaming to predetermined offshore locations within the two sea cucumber fishing areas and tow a 6 foot modified sea urchin dredge for 0.5nm at 2.5 knots and maintain a 3:1 warp ratio. Dredge catch will be dumped on the deck and sorted by DFO technicians with the assistance of charter crew. DFO staff will count, weigh, and measure catch or subsample of catch. The survey will be conducted early September for 10 consecutive days (preferably Sept. 9-19). DFO technicians will be onboard the vessel to conduct the survey. The survey will be considered completed once all planned locations have been surveyed or the maximum number of sampling days has been reached.