Vessel Charter - 4Vn Stratified Random Fixed Gear Survey - Northeast Coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

1. 1 Title

Vessel Charter - 4Vn Stratified Random Fixed Gear Survey - Northeast Coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

1.2 Contract Period

Upon contract award through to May 31, 2019, with option to renew for 3 additional 1 year periods at the sole discretion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Option periods if exercised will be June 1, 2019 through to May 31, 2020, June 1, 2020 through to May 31, 2021 and June 1, 2021 through to May 31, 2022. 

The Project work will take place between September 1 and September 30 each year. Working days and completion will be contingent on operational considerations of the charter based on such factors as weather, vessel maintenance/repair requirements, etc.

1.3 Introduction

The successful contractor will plan, administer, and execute a longline sentinel survey consisting of 56 long-line sets at predetermined locations in NAFO subdivision 4Vn. A minimum of 4 vessels are required for this project. The survey is designed to provide information about the status of groundfish populations in 4Vn. It will continue a time-series of annual research surveys adhering to strict mandatory requirements for the fishing vessels, captains, crew, gear and sampling protocols intended to ensure that sampling occurs under consistent conditions each year.

1.4 Estimated Value

In the event that all 56 stations cannot be completed within the time frame indicated in the contract, the circumstances that led to this will be reviewed and payment of the contract will be decided by the scientific authority based on the all-inclusive cost per station.

In the event that the project exceeds the contract total, all related costs above the initial amount will be paid by the contractor.

All profits from the sale of fish are the property of the contractor.

1.5 Objectives of the Requirement

Conduct a survey consisting of 56 long-line sets at predetermined locations in NAFO subdivision 4Vn. The survey is designed to provide information about the status of groundfish populations in 4Vn. It continues a time-series of annual research surveys; therefore there are strict mandatory requirements for the fishing vessels, captains, crew, gear and sampling protocols (Appendix A) intended to ensure that sampling occurs under consistent conditions each year.

1.6 Background, Assumptions and Specific Scope of the Requirement

This survey continues a time-series of annual research surveys, therefore there are strict mandatory requirements for the fishing vessels, captains, crew, gear and sampling protocols (Appendix A) intended to ensure that sampling occurs under consistent conditions each year. The locations of the stations sampled in 2009 are in Appendix B for illustration. The locations of the 56 stations to be sampled in 2018 will be provided prior to the time of sailing. The sampling protocols are in Appendix A.

2.0 Requirements

1. 1. Tasks, Activities, Deliverables and Milestones

• Successful fishing sets at all 56 stations sampled following set locations and protocols provided by DFO. Station locations may be subject to (minor) change upon pre-approval by the scientific authority.

• Detailed sampling (length, weight, stomach contents, condition factors, otoliths) for the first 50 cod over the rail from each set in format specified by DFO and suitable for entry into DFO databases.

• For each of the 56 fishing stations, catch and biological data will be provided by the observer company in the format specified by DFO and suitable for entry into DFO databases. Data required for each fishing station include set location, water condition, numbers, length frequencies and weights for all species captured at each station and total species weight landed.

• Additional sampling may be required by the onshore technician if requested by DFO given that a sampling protocol and materials for sampling are provided by DFO (e.g. collection of cod fin clips for genetic study).

For the At-Sea Observer Company Employed by the Contractor:

• At-Sea Observers will be on all trips.

• Field work / sampling will be carried out aboard the four contractor vessels. All data entry and data quality assurance will be carried out at the Observer Company’s office;

• Data entered in the DFO Maritimes Region Industry Surveys Database (ISDB) will be checked by Association’s scientific personnel to ensure that quality standards have been met;

• All data collected will be the property of the crown without exception;

• Association Project Authority will be determined upon award of the contract

• Observer Company must possess a secure access to DFO networks and the Maritimes Region ISDB database;

• All data processing will be carried out at the Observer Company’s office;

• At-Sea services for 4Vn Sentinel Survey may be required anytime commencing on or about September 1^st, 2018 and completed on or about September 30, 2018; the data entry; quality checks and loading of data expected completion date of January 15^th, 2019.

• The project will be considered to be complete when all data collected during the survey, properly edited, is resident in the DFO Maritimes ISDB database and all hard copies of paperwork have been returned to Association’s project authority;