Analysis of the Beluga Fattening Cycle using photogrammetry

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking a Canadian supplier to provide scientific expertise for the Analysis of the Beluga Fattening Cycle using photogrammetry. The project focuses on the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population, specifically assessing the importance of spring in their annual fattening cycle. The contractor will analyze aerial drone imagery and morphometric data from 2024 and 2025 to evaluate seasonal body condition changes across age and sex classes, refine sex identification, and determine the possibility of distinguishing pregnant females. The work includes the delivery of validated databases in CSV format, R code, and the preparation of at least two scientific articles meeting the standards of international peer-reviewed journals. The contract term runs from the date of award to March 31, 2029, with an irrevocable option for Canada to extend the term for one additional year. Award selection is based on the lowest evaluated price among bidders who meet all mandatory technical criteria. These requirements include holding licenses for MIPAR software and the Spotlight extension, demonstrating expertise in multivariate statistical analysis and a five-year track record of international scientific publications, and securing access to the St. Lawrence beluga photo-identification catalogue. Deliverables are tied to specific milestones between 2027 and 2030, and the contract is subject to the Policy on Reciprocal Procurement, limiting eligibility to Canadian suppliers.