CEFAS22-30 Inshore Fishing Survey (Outer Thames)

Tender description

The project will conduct two seasonal surveys (each of 7 days) using a standardised 2 or 3 m beam trawl (all survey gears will be supplied by Cefas) at fixed locations in the Outer Thames. The information to be collected will include catch rates and size distributions for commercial and non-commercial species (cod, whiting, thornback ray, shellfish etc) and biological parameters for sole and plaice. This opportunity is seeking to secure an inshore vessel/fishing vessel(s) (≥10m LOA) with local knowledge on the locations detailed below that can cover the requirements of one or both surveys. The surveys will be conducted in late August/ early September. The vessel for each survey must be able to rig and deploy the Cefas survey gear (see Section 4.1.4). Embarkation and disembarkation will be from suitable local Outer Thames ports e.g. West Mersea (northern Outer Thames) and Whitstable (southern Outer Thames). Please state in your submission the preferred location. The vessel will operate under full charter that covers all management, crew, victuals, fuel, meetings, harbour/port fees, any additional insurance to cover Cefas survey equipment and other services necessary to sample in the manner defined below. Tenders should be an all-inclusive fixed price and must include a breakdown of day rates and mobilisation / demobilisation rates and a cost for weather down-time.