B--B534- Pacific Walrus studies in the south eastern and south central Bering Sea during the Spring of 2005.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 7 in Alaska plans to award a sole source contract to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for Pacific Walrus research in the southeastern and south central Bering Sea during the spring of 2005. The research will involve conducting sex and age-class scoring of walrus aggregations observed from a research cruise ship to gather data on herd composition and structure. This information is intended to improve future population assessment surveys and guide the proportional deployment of satellite transmitter tags among different age and sex classes within the population. To facilitate the study, aerial reconnaissance flights using fixed-wing aircraft will be conducted to locate walrus aggregations and direct field personnel. This procurement is a sole source award, not open to competitive proposals, with the contract expected to be awarded 15 days after the notice's publication. The study reflects coordinated efforts between federal and state wildlife agencies to enhance understanding of Pacific Walrus populations and support conservation and management strategies.