Arctic Phytoplankton and Ice Algae Taxonomic Analysis

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a requirement to analyze Arctic sea ice and water column samples for taxonomic identification of ice algae and phytoplankton species. The taxonomic analysis will include potentially harmful algal cells and will be conducted to the level of species whenever possible.

The work will involve the following:

Contractor must analyze up to a maximum of 100 samples/year. The sea ice and phytoplankton samples (20-250 ml) are preserved with acidic lugol solution and stored at room temperature. Each sample will be sub-sampled, settled and analyzed according to standard taxonomic protocols using an inverted microscope (400X magnification). Original count data and final concentrations (cells per L) will be provided.

Samples will be shipped from the Marine Productivity Laboratory, Freshwater Institute Winnipeg, to the Contractor. All analyses will be completed by a phytoplankton taxonomic expert. Marine Productivity laboratory will provide a list detailing which samples are to be analyzed. Marine productivity will clearly label all samples with a sample name. The contractor will provide final data corresponding to same sample names.

Contractor must process and analyze preserved taxonomy samples according to standard protocols for Arctic ice algal and phytoplankton analyses.

Contractor must provide raw and final data for:

i. each species (vegetative, empty or cyst) identified
ii. unidentified species grouped by genus and cell size
iii. major cell groups (e.g. pennate and centric diatoms).

Contractor must provide details of subsampling and counting protocols.

Contractor must inform Marine Productivity Laboratory if sample counts are hindered by any confounding factors.

Raw and final data for each sample in electronic format. (I.e. excel file).

Contractor Responsibilities

The contractor will provide the workspace, and laboratory equipment and materials necessary for the completion of scientifically defensible Arctic marine phytoplankton and ice algae cell identification and counts. In particular, the contractor will provide:

Hydro-Bios settling chambers and settling columns of a variety of sizes (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 ml) to adapt for sample conditions; Hydro-Bios bottom glass and key, and rounded glass covers for the Hydro-Bios settling chambers;

Pre-calibrated pipettes 100 pl - 5 ml, and high-precision volumetric measurements for samples of up to 100 ml;

An inverted microscope with 100X, 200X, and 400X magnification, with phase-contrast and differential interference contrast, with size measurement capability;

A digital camera adapted to the inverted microscope; and

Specialized taxonomic documentation and references for the identification of ice algae and marine phytoplankton in the Canadian Arctic.

Criteria for assessment of the Statement of Capabilities (Minimum Essential Requirements)

Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a statement of capabilities that it meets the following requirements:

The contractor must have a certification from a recognized institution in phytoplankton taxonomy.

The contractor must have a minimum of 10 years' experience in taxonomic analysis of marine phytoplankton and ice algae from the Canadian Arctic.

The contractor must have specialized training in the identification of taxa of phytoplankton and ice algae (diatoms, dinoflagellates and flagellate groups including Coccolithophorids, Prasinophytes, Cryptophytes, Euglenophytes), and experience identifying these taxa from the Arctic including the Beaufort Sea, Baffin Bay, the Canadian Archipelago and Hudson Bay.

The contractor must have extensive (> 5 years) experience identifying harmful algal species in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

The contractor must be familiar with the taxonomic identification of samples preserved in acidic IugoI’s solution and is able to identify phytoplankton or ice algae cells preserved in this manner.