Pacific Herring Surface Survey of Area 2W off the west coast of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Pacific Herring Surface Survey of Area 2W off British Columbia Coast1.2 Contracting Period Project work to take place between March and April of 2023.1.3 IntroductionDepartment of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada intends to conduct a data collection program for Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasi) covering the minor stock assessment region 2W on the British Columbia coast.1.4 Objectives of the RequirementThe objective is to measure herring spawn deposition (eggs) through surface surveys (as described below) in minor stock region (Area 2W).1.5 Background, Assumptions and Specific Scope of the RequirementDFO Science assesses British Columbia Pacific Herring stocks annually. Stock assessment uses an age-structured assessment model requiring annual updates of proportions at age, weight at age, and spawn survey data. Data collected through the Pacific Herring Survey Program, described in this Statement of Work are used by stock assessment scientists to assess the biomass of herring stocks, and provide annual biomass forecasts to Fisheries management, information which is then used in the annual Integrated Fisheries Management Plan process for BC Pacific Herring.2.0 RequirementsThe Contractor shall carry out the Pacific Herring stock assessment survey to conduct assessments of herring egg deposition all spawning grounds in support of stock assessment for Area 2W.The surface surveys of herring spawn will be conducted in the areas indicated in List of Activities – Part A.