Pilot Study of Seal Predation on Salmon Stocks in Selected Irish Rivers and Estuaries

Tender description

Inland Fisheries Ireland is seeking tenders to undertake a study of Seal Predation on Salmon Stocks in two Irish Rivers and Estuaries.Applicants are required to set out a brief scope for such a study to include information on how the objectives can be achieved including methodologies and monitoring programme and cost. The scale and scope of the project will be constrained by modest funding over two years.Applicants are invited to forward a brief scope for the study to Dr Patrick Gargan, Inland Fisheries Ireland, paddy.gargan@fisheriesireland.ie by 10th June 2011.Proposed Pilot Study in IrelandThe present proposal for a Pilot Study of Seal Predation on Salmon stocks intends to build on the existing programmes ongoing in Ireland with regard to seal interactions with fisheries (e.g., Beaufort project), the National Parks and Wildlife Service seal monitoring programme and the proposed BIM survey on seal depredation. It is intended that these studies will inform the Pilot Study and add to achievement of the study objectives in a cost effective manner. The pilot study, proposed over two years, aims to fund specific research on seal predation, primarily on salmon in two inner estuaries and rivers namely the river Moy, Co. Mayo and the river Slaney, Co. Wexford. IFI staff can contribute to the study by identifying haul out sites, and where feasible, collecting seal scats and undertaking limited seal counts. IFI scientific staff can provide relevant data on salmon population estimates and run timing in each study river to allow the impact of seal predation at a population level to be explored.The objectives of this Pilot Study are;1. To determine the seasonal abundance of local seal species in the river mouth and estuaries of the river Moy and river Slaney.Methodologies used should be compatible with NPWS survey methods and survey efforts should not interfere with other studies. A combination of boat based and aerial surveys may be required to achieve this objective in the S