Geological advisor for Methane Derived Authigenic Carbonate (MDAC) survey

Tender description

JNCC Support Co are seeking to contract out a geologist with a sound and demonstrable understanding of methane derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC) formation and associated geological processes alongside a proven track record of surveying MDAC and taking relevant measurements. This specialist will provide expert advice to JNCC, and work with them to collect the first dataset in a monitoring time-series for the MDAC feature within Croker Carbonate Slabs cSAC/SCI through the application of appropriate survey and sampling methodologies. The Croker Carbonate Slabs marine protected area (MPA) proposal was submitted to the European Commission in August 2012 for the following interest feature under the EC Habitats Directive: 1180 Submarine structures made by leaking gases. Following submission, it was accepted as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). The data and evidence underpinning the submission of this area as a candidate Special Areas of Conservation (and now SCI) are documented within the SAC Selection Assessment Document (see footnote 1 below). The last dedicated site survey was in 2008 . Since then, other surveys have collected data for the recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ) North St Georges Channel in 2012 & 2013, which completely encompasses the site. Groundtruthing samples and video transects were taken within and surrounding the site boundary, along with 100% multibeam coverage. JNCC in partnership with Cefas are scheduled to undertake a survey of the site onboard the RV Cefas Endeavour in November 2015 with a purpose of monitoring the methane-derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC) feature within the site. Owing to the complexity of the MDAC feature, specialist expertise is sought to ensure the survey design is suitable in order to collect the first dataset in a monitoring time-series for the MDAC feature.