Pelagic Shark Longline Survey

Currently, there is a strong need to understand abundance, trends, and distribution patterns of multiple large pelagic sharks within the NW Atlantic. Data to inform these questions can only come from a dedicated survey as all commercial fisheries targeting pelagic sharks are closed. The data on abundance and distribution of pelagic sharks is necessary to inform international management efforts through the International Conservation Council for Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), national fisheries management, and conservation initiatives.

This contract is for all at-sea fishing activities necessary to complete the survey. Successful completion will require multiple vessels to be fishing concurrently to minimize the potential for movement of animals throughout the survey area (see attached protocol for a description of the survey area and sampling stations).

Objectives of the Requirement

The objective of the contract is the successful sampling of all planned survey stations, up to a maximum of 60 stations. At least 90% of the survey stations must be sampled within a two-week period for the sampling to be considered successful. Therefore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) requires the service of multiple vessels from the pelagic longline fleet under this contract. The contractor must be able to supply multiple vessels (a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5) for sampling. Each vessel will carry a crew complement of at least two members in addition to one scientific technician who will be contracted separately.

Background, Assumptions and Specific Scope of the Requirement

Pelagic shark longline surveys of this scope have been completed twice previously, in 2007 and in 2009. Both of these surveys were done in collaboration with license-holders in the commercial Porbeagle fishery. In these surveys, sampling took place in conjunction with regular fishing activities and fishermen were allotted additional Porbeagle quota as compensation for participating in the survey. This is no longer possible as Porbeagle is considered to be endangered in Canada and the directed fishery has been closed since 2013. 

The only remaining commercial pelagic longline fleet directs for Swordfish and Other Tunas. All license-holders in this fishery are represented by the Nova Scotia Swordfishermen’s Association. Several of the captains who previously participated in the Porbeagle fishery currently hold Swordfish and Other Tunas licenses.

For this survey to give meaningful results on the status of large pelagic sharks, consistency in sampling vessels and methodologies are essential. The Contractor must be able to supply captains who are experienced in fishing pelagic longlines and/or captains who were previously license-holders in the directed Porbeagle fishery to ensure consistency and comparability of data being collected.

Expected Start and Completion Dates

The Project work will take place between June 1, 2017 and August 31, 2017. The services of the Contractor will be required for a period of approximately three weeks within this window. Exact dates will be determined through discussion between the Project Authority and the Contractor. Working days and completion will be contingent on operational considerations of the charter based on such factors as weather, vessel maintenance/ repair requirements, etc.