CEFAS23-149 Request for Quotation for Marine underwater imagery analysis

Background: The survey of Fulmar Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC was undertaken between 26th June and 29th June 2023.The aims of the survey were to acquire high quality imagery data (video and stills) sufficient to verify the extent and distribution of subtidal 'reef' and 'reef like' features and to characterise macrofauna assemblages and confirm Broad Scale Habitat type.

Underwater imagery data was collected at four survey areas within the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC. The four survey areas are: • Area 1 - Boulmer • Area 2 - Dunstanburgh Castle • Area 3 - Farne Islands • Area 4 - Holy Island

Requirement: Cefas requires a successful supplier to undertake the analysis of seabed imagery (still images and video) collected from the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC in 2023.

• Analysis will be required to be undertaken as set out in the imagery specification provided for this work ('Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC_Imagery_Spec', included as part of the Bidder pack) and adhering to the NE Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) Epibiota interpretation guidelines (Turner et al, 2016). • The online annotation software BIIGLE will be used to annotate video and still images as described in the analysis specification. • Video tows are to be segmented into areas of continuous broadscale seabed habitat type, greater than or equal to 5 m along transect distance. • A minimum of 10% of the videos and stills should be re-analysed for Quality Assurance (QA) purposes by the supplier and reported on. • Any deviation from this methodology should be approved in writing by the Cefas project officer. • The successful supplier will produce an analysis report. • Substrate and taxonomic image reference collections are required. • A start-up meeting will be held with the successful supplier within a week of the contract being awarded. During the start-up meeting Cefas will provide guidance on use of BIIGLE in MPA projects if needed. Download the Bidder Pack at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for CEFAS23-149 under opportunities.