CEFAS25-36 ITT for the provision OF King Scallop Dredge Surveys

As part of an ongoing research project, Cefas is collaborating with Defra and industry partners to carry out dredge fishing surveys with the aim of determining harvestable biomass of king scallop in the main fishing grounds around England. This Contract seeks to secure a suitable vessel and all management, crew, victuals, fuel, and other services necessary to carry out the requirements. Aims and Objectives The main objectives of the survey will be to: - carry out tows at predetermined survey locations using Newhaven commercial and modified scallop dredges; - count and measure all king scallops in designated survey dredges and retain samples for further analysis in the laboratory; - identify and count bycatch species. Cefas will provide two scientists to oversee the survey operations and undertake the scientific data collection, working with the vessel crew to deliver the objectives of the survey. The Skipper will be required to discuss and agree with the scientists a Detailed Operational Plan (DOP) before commencement of the survey, including the overall objectives and tow locations. This may be done via telephone, video call or onsite visit to the supplier (whatever is more practical with the time permitted). 4. Scope of Requirements Cefas is collaborating with Defra and industry partners to carry out dredge fishing surveys to assess harvestable biomass of king scallop in the main fishing grounds of the English Channel, the Bristol Channel, and along the Yorkshire/Durham coast. The contract is estimated to start in August 2025, or as soon as possible after award. The initial Contract period will be to 31 March 2026, to cover one survey in September 2025, with the option to extend for 3 further periods of 12 months each, subject to funding confirmation. If extended, the requirement will be for one survey in May and one survey in September each year. The aim is to carry out a combined total of up to 260 tows on an annual basis, each tow with the gear on the ground for a duration of 15 minutes, at a speed of 2.5–3.0 knots, using a combination of Newhaven commercial and modified scallop dredges which are deployed simultaneously. 5. Survey Area and Time of Operation / Delivery Period The May survey will be carried out over a period of 12–15 days in specified areas within ICES Divisions 27.7.e and 27.7.f (see Figure 1 below). It shall start as soon as possible after 1st May 2025 and be completed as soon as possible (weather permitting, while adhering to safe working conditions). The September survey will be carried out over a period of 10 days in specified areas within Division 27.7.d (see Figure 2 below) and Division 27.4.b (see Figure 3 below). It shall start as soon as possible after 1st September 2025 and be completed as soon as possible (weather permitting, while adhering to safe working conditions). The exact start and end dates of each survey may vary between the years of the potential Contract extension periods and will be agreed in the Detailed Operational Plan (DOP). Weather forecasts and tides (spring/neap) should be factored into the timing of the surveys and may require flexibility.