Vessels for At-Sea Surveys in the Salish Sea and the West Coast of Vancouver Island

OBJECTIVE

ECCC requires a contractor that has the vessel(s) and experience to:
1. Achieve vessel-based line transect surveys across multiple seasons in the Salish Sea and west coast of Vancouver Island.
2. Manage all vessel safety and operational activities during the at-sea surveys to allow scientists aboard to focus on their work requirements.

THE WORK

Vessel-based surveys involve navigation along fixed, predetermined transect lines at a constant speed of 8-10 knts, with surveys to be completed during daylight hours in excellent to moderate conditions (i.e., generally < 25knts wind and/or < beaufort 5). Vessels are required to stay within 50 m of the transect line, with exception to situations with high current/tidal action and navigational concerns. Captain/Vessel Operator is required to operate efficiently and take advantage of weather windows and daylight hours to complete the planned surveys. Generally, 1-3 ECCC at-sea observers (up to 4 for training purposes) will work and live aboard the vessel, including staying overnight. Although total survey duration per season will be approximately 20 survey days per survey area, occurring within a two-month survey window and not including weather days, individual trip lengths will be partially dependent on weather, vessel capabilities, and daylight hours available during the survey.

SURVEY AREAS

Two survey areas are identified: (1) the Salish Sea and; (2) West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Survey Area 1
Salish Sea:
The Salish Sea area includes the Canadian side of eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, Gulf Islands, and the Strait of Georgia north to approximately Campbell River, including mainland inlets.

Survey Area 2
West Coast of Vancouver Island:
The west coast of Vancouver Island area includes central and western Strait of Juan de Fuca, the mouth of Juan de Fuca and from the border with US waters north to Brooks Peninsula, and to a maximum distance of 40 kilometers offshore. Distance surveyed offshore is generally 30 km, and not exceeding 40 km. West coast of Vancouver Island inlets and sounds are included (e.g., Barkley Sound).

SEASONS

Surveys will occur four times per year (i.e., once per season); estimated total service commitment per planned seasonal survey period is approximately 20 days for each survey area, excluding weather days. Typically, seasons 2 and 3 require 16-25 days, including weather days, for each survey area. Seasons 1 and 4 typically require 25-30 days, including weather days, for each survey area. Seasonal surveys should be completed within a two-month period, with recognition that weather may limit survey completion during certain seasons.

Season 1 – Optional Requirement
Winter survey season is defined as February to March

Season 2 – Firm Requirement
Spring survey season is defined as May to June

Season 3 – Firm Requirement
Summer survey season is defined as August to September

Season 4 – Firm Requirement
Fall survey season is defined as late October to December.