CEFAS23-137 Contract for Quotation for LA-ICP-MS analysis on fish otoliths

As part of the "Improving methodology to assess finfish, pelagic, data-limited, and non-quota stocks to inform management advice." project under the WP2.5 "Assessment of otolith microchemistry (e.g., plaice and sole, herring, sprat, sardine and horse mackerel)" Cefas are seeking a suitable supplier to conduct otolith microchemistry analysis via Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) for tracing several elements (Li6,Li7, Na23, Mg24, Ca43, Ca44, Mn55, Co59, Cu63, Cu65, Zn66, Rb85, Sr86, Sr87, Sr88, Cd112, Ba138, Ba137, Pb208, Pb207) of the above-mentioned species.

For the purpose of the research and quality control, Cefas request the use of specific calibration standards including NIST610, NIST612, NIST614, MACS-1 and, more importantly, otolith-specific standards such as FEBS-1 and Nies 22. We require a continuous transect core-to-edge otolith sampling design for each otolith with the ability to easily isolate the core-only and edge-only transects for specific analysis. Ablation patterns including laser size, length, speed and other variables will be discussed as a species-by-species case.

Cefas will be providing samples embedded in glass slides (pelagic species) and in plastic strips (flatfish species). Technical meetings with the WP leader (either via Teams or in presence) will be required for a) the provision of samples to be analysed and b) delivery of data from analysis and return of samples to Cefas.

One month time frame will be required for the Cefas WP leader to check the quality of delivered data.

The successful supplier is expected to have access to LA-ICP-MS equipment and clear capability to support for the required analysis of the above-mentioned species, including availability for the time needed to run the analysis for each species (previous experience working and handling fish otolith preparations is essential).

Cefas will be responsible for arranging the collection and delivery of samples throughout the project via our preferred courier services. It is the expectation of Cefas that the Supplier/s will abide to our expectations for sample return, which will be discussed at kick off meeting.

Data: The results need to be presented as final (including quality controls and technical details on the method), in the form of an Excel file (.csv) providing clear element concentration (calibrated) for each otolith, and ready to be statistically analysed (e.g., no further adjustment against blanks etc.).