CEFAS23-61 Request For Quotation for an Inshore Beam /Otter Trawl Vessel Charter

Tender description

Cefas are seeking to procure an inshore fishing vessel equipped with Beam or Otter trawl that can be fitted with a fine mesh liner for fishing juvenile (3-7cm) cuttlefish in the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon and/or Dorset). Cefas are looking to monitor the yearly recruitment of cuttlefish to further inform knowledge of stock size for these short-lived shellfish. Recruitment is defined as the new incoming individuals which enter the fishery. Recruitment strength varies substantially from year to year in many fish stocks worldwide. Cuttlefish being short-lived, with a 2-3 year life span, exploitation depends heavily on recruitment. In August 2023 Cefas are looking to test a pilot recruitment survey considering the location, the type of gear, the type of vessels as well as the feasibility of conducting such a survey in the long term. Cefas are seeking to procure an inshore fishing vessel equipped with Beam or Otter trawl that can be fitted with a fine mesh liner for fishing juvenile (3-7cm) cuttlefish in the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon and/or Dorset). Cefas requires the vessel to deploy gear at specific locations (to be determined with the expert support of the Skipper ahead of survey) possibly close to shore, with the aim to successfully capture early stage juvenile cuttlefish.