Charter Boat Mission Mackerel Egg

A Contractor is needed to provide Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) with a fishing vessel and accompanying crew to conduct an ichthyoplankton (fish eggs and larvae) research survey in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) zones 4R, and 3Pns, in July of 2023. The survey will support fisheries research into the abundance and distribution of Atlantic mackerel (henceforth mackerel) eggs and larvae outside of their main spawning site in the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence (GSL; NAFO 4T). A Contractor is needed to provide Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) with a vessel and accompanying crew to conduct an ichthyoplankton research survey in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) zones 4R, and 3Pns, in July of 2023. The survey will support fisheries research into the abundance and distribution of Atlantic mackerel (henceforth mackerel) eggs and larvae outside of their main spawning site in the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence (GSL; NAFO 4T). Information on the abundances and distributions of other species sampled during the survey, as well as associated environmental data, may be used to inform research on other species monitored by DFO. The survey will contribute to a long term time series that requires following established sampling protocols during specific time periods. The survey is platform dependent and the vessel is required to have certain characteristics in order to complete the work (Outlined below in section 3.1.1-3.1.6). The survey schedule will encompass a total period of 10 (minimum) to 12 (maximum) consecutive days in early July, starting no later than July 10th, 2023. Within this time-span, half a day for both loading and running equipment tests prior to the survey and for unloading of equipment after the survey will be required. Loading of equipment and reception of the science staff will take place and end in Gaspé, Q.C. Choice of another port in Gaspésie will be considered if convenient for both the Contractor and the DFO science staff. Survey operations will be directed by DFO staff on board the survey vessel and will occur in Canadian territorial waters within the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) zones 4R, 4T, 4Vn, 3Pn, and 3Ps. The actual start and end dates of the survey will be determined during a pre-survey meeting between the contractor and DFO science staff. DFO will also provide a cruise plan to the vessel prior to the start of the survey. The Survey Vessel must be a mid-shore or offshore fishing vessel (over 60 ft.) capable of station holding and of towing the survey sampling gear (i.e. Bongo nets) at a defined speed of 2.5-3.5 knots. The vessel and crew must be able to conduct operations around the clock (24 hour days). DFO science staff will be operating on two 12 hour shifts (06:00 – 18:00 and 18:00-06:00). Returns to port will only be considered during the mission if considered necessary (for example during very bad weather, medical reasons etc.).