Long-Term Kelp Canopy Monitoring & Mapping

The contract seeks a subcontractor to conduct annual aerial surveying and digital mapping of kelp canopy extent along the Washington coast using color-infrared imagery, with the goal of monitoring long-term trends in kelp coverage. The work involves collecting high-resolution remote sensing data, processing it into accurate geospatial maps, and performing detailed analysis to track changes in kelp density and distribution over time. Deliverables will include standardized digital datasets, analytical reports, and visualizations that support conservation and management decisions by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The effort is classified under NAICS code 541370, indicating it pertains to geographic information systems and related services, and is structured as a subcontract with no set-aside provisions. Proposals must be submitted by July 29, 2026, and the work will span multiple counties along the state’s coastline. The project is part of an ongoing initiative to understand ecological shifts in nearshore marine habitats, with results used to inform policy, assess ecosystem health, and support climate resilience planning. There is no specified point of contact provided in the posting, and the performance location is broadly defined across the Washington coastal region.