The Provision of a Biosecurity Review relating to Puffin Island, Co. Kerry

Tender description

Puffin Island holds important populations of several seabird species, including Atlantic puffins, Manx shearwaters and European storm-petrels. It is now well established that the colonisation of invasive mammals and invasive species including but not limited to American Mink and Brown Rat can cause significant damage to seabird populations breeding on offshore islands. A sighting of a mink has been reported on Puffin Island in recent years. The Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht now invites tenders for provision of a Biosecurity Review, including direct field surveys and detailed Eradication Plans, of Puffin Island and in particular its breeding seabird populations. A detailed specification of the Department’s technical requirements is set out in Appendix I of the Tender below. A strict schedule of deliverables will be agreed with the successful Tenderer, with the contract expected to commence in late September and conclude in the main by end November 2020. Health and Safety It should be noted that this study will involve work in the marine environment and on an island. Areas of the island can be difficult or challenging terrain to operate in.