Delivery of Charter of a Survey Vessel, Qualified Skipper & Crew for Shellfish Stock Assessment Work in Lough Foyle during 2021

Tender description

A requirement exists for the charter of a licensed survey vessel with appropriately qualified skipper and crew for a maximum of 50 days charter to conduct dredge sampling on native oyster beds and conduct environmental monitoring work on Lough Foyle during 2021. These oyster beds are situated in shallow areas of a tidal estuary with multiple dry out sandbanks and as such safe access requires detailed planning and knowledge. Chart datum is from 0.6m – 3.5m for the majority of the oyster bed areas that require survey. Vessels are invited to tender on the basis of their ability to undertake the survey work as outlined in the specifications. This comprises of following a pre-determined dredge sampling pattern at 400 stations carried out over 15-20 days during Spring and once again during Autumn 2021 with a minimum 7 hour of daily operations. There will also be a requirement to conduct weekly sampling runs between June-September for the determination of spawning activity within the shellfish populations in Lough Foyle. A single traditional oyster dredge with a width of 1.4m and an un-laden weight of approximately 100kg will be provided by the Agency for the survey work. Detailed information of the track and survey plan will be provided by the Loughs Agency. The successful applicant will be selected based on technical suitability and cost of charter. This scientific research work links directly to food production and as such has been deemed as essential work under the Covid-19 guidance supplied by the Department of the Taoiseach and the Northern Ireland Executive.