Ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) distribution estimates for the northern North Sea in relation to offshore wind

Tender description

The Scottish Government has a requirement to place a contract with an external service provider for the provision of Ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) distribution estimates for the northern North Sea in relation to offshore wind. The contract will be for a period of 36 months with the option to extend for an additional 3 months. The ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) is a Priority Marine Feature in Scottish waters, on the OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species & Habitats and a Protected Feature in some Marine Protected Areas in Scottish waters. This large bivalve is notoriously difficult to survey, occurring occasionally in grab samples in the North Sea, including in planned ScotWind Option Agreements. Existing species distribution models (SDMs) provide some information for the North Sea, but are influenced by sampling difficulties. Additionally, ocean quahog distribution maps and modelled outputs currently available, are of a coarse resolution when considering offshore wind developments. Specific studies on ocean quahog populations with regional precision are lacking and existing data are unlikely to produce a robust distribution estimate. Therefore, a new approach including further data collection is required. The contractor is encouraged to consider innovative techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA), habitat suitability modelling and/or imagery technology, coupled with artificial intelligence, to improve existing Arctica islandica distribution maps in the context of offshore wind development. This tender will contribute to the evidence base for environmental assessments for ScotWind and INTOG developments and facilitate future planning with respect to the potential impacts offshore wind developments on the ocean quahog. The contract is expected to cover a period of 3 years from November 2023.