Development of a Novel Method for Monitoring Inshore Fish Communities Using a Programmable Large-Volume Marine eDNA Sampler

Tender description

Natural England is currently exploring applications of DNA technology in survey and monitoring of terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity, with a view to increasing efficiency in our monitoring programmes. Inshore fish communities are poorly understood. There is still a considerable lack of understanding of inshore fish community composition, community health, population status, and the scale and footprint of critical pressures and the efficacy of management measures. Filling this evidence gap is a priority for Natural England, as it impacts on the confidence that can be attributed to the efficacy of potential management measures, on estimations of Natural Capital values and on their Ecosystem Service and Societal Goods and Benefits values, and on the UK's ability to develop and evidence a world class marine monitoring system post-EU exit. When combined with commitments to improve the state of our marine environment identified in the 25 Year Environment Plan and the UK Marine Strategy, there is a clear evidential need to understand the nature and status of our inshore fish populations. This project will take this work forward to the stage of full operationalisation and integration with traditional approaches, by identifying the spatial scales and frequency of sampling that is required to effectively monitor inshore fish communities, and by adjusting programmable eDNA collection to better understand the relationship between fish communities and underlying habitats, and potentially also fishing activity. To further validate and operationalise the use of a large volume programmable marine eDNA sampler for use in routine monitoring of inshore fish communities, this project has the following objectives: 1. To test the feasibility of a large-volume programmable marine eDNA sampler in monitoring the composition of fish communities across a range of habitat specific deployments in the south west. 2. To assess the eDNA data for its ability to assess the presence and scale of breeding populations. 3. To statistically analyse the data to determine the sampling frequency needed when using a large-volume programmable marine eDNA sampler for measuring changes to the inshore fish communities in each habitat location. 4. To determine the spatial scale of sampling necessary to measure and infer changes to the inshore fish communities that would assist NE and IFCAs in developing appropriate advice. 5. To determine the presence and distribution of marine Species of Conservation Interest (SOCI) [and non-native species (NNS)], within the survey area. 6. Desirable subsidiary requirement: to test (in a restricted set of locations) the potential ability of eDNA data to assess species fidelity to key protected habitats by manipulation of the temporal sampling regime. For example, at a particular location comparing the eDNA signatures from samples collected during slack and peak tidal flow periods. Additional information: The Contracting Authority intends to use an eTendering system in this procurement exercise. Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: suppliers instructions how to express interest in similar tenders. 1) Register your company on the eSourcing portal (this is only required once): - browse to the eSourcing Portal: https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk and click the link to register, - accept the terms and conditions and click "continue", - enter your correct business and user details, - note the username you chose and click "Save" when complete, - you will shortly receive an email with your unique password (please keep this secure). 2) Express an Interest in the tender: - login to the portal with the username/password, - click the "PQQs/ITTs Open to All Suppliers' link (these are pre-qualification questionnaires or Invitations to Tender open to any registered supplier), - click on the relevant PQQ/ITT to access the content, - click the "Express Interest" button at the top of the page, - this will move the PQQ/ITT into your "My PQQs/MyITTs" page (this is a secure area reserved for your projects only), - you can now access any attachments by clicking "Buyer Attachments" in the "PQQ/ITT Details" box. 3) Responding to the tender: - click "My Response" under "PQQ/ITT Details", you can choose to "Create Response" or to "Decline to Respond" (please give a reason if declining), - you can now use the "Messages" function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification, - note the deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the PQQ/ITT, - There may be a mixture of online and offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online help available). You must then submit your reply using the "Submit Response" button at the top of the page. If you require any further assistance please consult the online help, or contact the eTendering help desk.