Charter for Blue Whiting Spawning Survey

Tender description

Marine Scotland invites a tender from pelagic vessels of overall length greater than 60m to undertake an acoustic survey for Blue Whiting commencing at the shelf edge out to a maximum of 18°W and between 51°N to 62°N. The vessel will complete prescribed acoustic transects within these boundaries. The charter will be of 10-15 days duration taking place between the 20 March and 10 April 2023, The vessel must depart from a Scottish mainland port. Scientific quota is being offered in exchange for a number of days survey time (maximum 16 days depending on the daily rate of charter). Blue Whiting quota is to be allocated on the value of the catch at the time of landing. The catch is to be taken as Blue whiting quota. This quota must be taken at the first opportunity of the Blue whiting fishery opening in March/April. If the vessel lands more than the monetary value agreed, the excess must be covered by the vessel’s own quota allocation. Bidding vessels must therefore have sufficient quota in the relevant area. In order to facilitate the undertaking of this survey at the same time as the fishery, this quota can be traded between vessel. If the vessel lands less than the value agreed no additional compensation will be offered.