Sturgeon Gillnet Study

The Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting quotes, on behalf of Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the Protected Species Branch for a Gillnet Study. By catch of Atlantic sturgeon in sink gillnet gear, particularly that used in the monkfish fishery, has been identified as a primary threat to the species. It has been suggested that the use of tie-downs in gillnet gear increases the by catch and associated mortality of Atlantic sturgeon (ASMFC 2007). However, tie-downs are commonly used in the monkfish fishery. Tie-downs are also included among a suite of seasonal gear modifications required under the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan (HPTRP) for large mesh gillnets in the Mid-Atlantic to reduce interactions between gillnet gear and harbor porpoises. Atlantic sturgeon are present in areas and at times when the HPTRP requires the use of tie-downs on large mesh gear as well as at times and in areas where tie-downs are typically used but not required under the HPTRP. Therefore, compliance with the HPTRP and monkfish fishing practices can confound efforts to minimize by catch of Atlantic sturgeon in the monkfish gillnet fishery as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, as well as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), if Atlantic sturgeon are listed in the future. Atlantic sturgeon is a NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) candidate species and Species of Concern, and is currently being considered for listing under the ESA. A formal status review for Atlantic sturgeon, completed in 2007, identified by-catch and the inadequacy of existing regulatory measures addressing by catch as principal threats to Atlantic sturgeon (Atlantic Sturgeon SRT 2007). A coast wide moratorium on all Atlantic sturgeon fisheries was imposed in 1998 per Amendment 1 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) Atlantic Sturgeon Fishery Management Plan (FMP) (ASMFC 1998). In 1999, NMFS prohibited retention of Atlantic sturgeon incidentally caught in federally managed fisheries. However, while the coast wide moratorium and prohibition on retention prevents directed fishing for Atlantic sturgeon, sturgeon is still caught as by catch in various commercial fisheries along the East Coast in state and Federal waters. Sustainable fishing rates for adult Atlantic sturgeon have been estimated to be approximately 5% per year and even lower for sub-adults; thus, even small rates of by catch mortality (<5%) on sturgeon populations could hinder or restrict recovery (Boreman 1997; ASMFC 1998; Kahnle et al. 2007). At the request of the ASMFC, NMFS's Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) estimated the total by catch of Atlantic sturgeon in sink gillnet and otter trawl gear based on observer data collected on a portion of commercial fishing trips from Cape Hatteras, NC through Maine for 2001-2006 (ASMFC 2007). For sink gillnet gear, Atlantic sturgeon by catch ranged between 2,752 and 7,904 sturgeon annually, averaging about 5,000 sturgeon per year (ASMFC 2007). Atlantic sturgeon by catch in otter trawl gear similarly ranged between 2,167 and 7,210 sturgeon with an average of about 3,800 fish per year (ASMFC 2007). However, by catch mortality was markedly different between the two gear types. For sink gillnet fisheries, the estimated annual mortality ranged from 352 to 1,286 Atlantic sturgeons, with an average mortality of 649 sturgeons per year, or approximately 13% of the annual Atlantic sturgeon by catch in sink gillnet gear (ASMFC 2007). The majority of sturgeon by catch mortality was attributed to the monkfish sink gillnet fishery (ASMFC 2007). The total number of Atlantic sturgeon killed in otter trawl gear could not be estimated because only three sturgeon mortalities were reported in the observer database; indicating a low mortality rate (ASMFC 2007). Based on the observer data, tie-down use appears to: (1) increase the overall size range of retained Atlantic sturgeon by increasing the susceptibility of smaller individuals, and (2) increase the likelihood of mortality for incidentally caught Atlantic sturgeon (ASMFC 2007). However, it was not possible to determine from the observer dataset whether mortality was strictly affected by the use of tie-downs or whether soak time was the controlling or contributing factor with respect to mortality (ASMFC 2007). Virginia Sea Grant and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) conducted a sink gillnet interaction experiment on captive sturgeon under controlled conditions (eight fish placed in a 14 by 21 foot oval tank) to examine the effect of tie-downs on sturgeon retention (ASMFC 2007). The results suggested that removing tie-downs allowed more sturgeon to escape the gear (ASMFC 2007). However, soak times were limited to 30 minutes and the gear configuration used was not the same as used in the monkfish fishery. Harbor porpoises are a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). In accordance with the MMPA, NMFS is required to reduce the number of harbor porpoise deaths and serious injuries caused by commercial fishing gear. The HPTRP has been in effect since December 1998. The HPTRP requires gillnet gear to be modified during certain times and in certain areas of the Gulf of Maine, southern New England, and the Mid-Atlantic when harbor porpoises are present. In Mid-Atlantic waters, various gear modifications are used, including tie-downs on large mesh gillnet gear (mesh size 7-18 inches). Tie-downs are intended to reduce harbor porpoise by catch by lowering the profile of the net in the water column, thus allowing harbor porpoise to go over the net. Changes in the fishery practices and efforts within the monkfish industry have the potential to decrease overall by-catch mortality of Atlantic sturgeon; however, they have not been tested by the industry. Field studies are, therefore, necessary to assess the effects of tie-downs on Atlantic sturgeon by catch. The proposed contract is 100% total small business set aside. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the acquisition is 541712 Fisheries Research and Development Laboratories or Services. The small business size standard is 500 Employees. The solicitation and proposed fixed price contract will be issued utilizing the test procedures identified in FAR Subpart 13.5, Test Program For Certain Commercial Items and will be evaluated on a best value basis wherein the following factors 1 - 5, listed in descending order of importance, when combined, are significantly more important than price: (1) Proposed staff qualifications including relevant sampling, safety and fishing vessel experience; (2) Proposed vessels to be used in the study, configuration of vessel, adequate berthing and deck space to accommodate two or more data collectors; (3) Captain and crew's experience related to research experience; (4) Plan to train the data collectors in vessel safety and in fish identification and protected species handling; (5) Plan to accomplish the sampling goals of the project; and (6) Price. All responsible sources may submit a quote that shall be considered by the agency. To be eligible for award, vendors must obtain a DUNS number (this may be done by calling 1-800-333-0505) and be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR): www.ccr.gov. Prospective contractors are also required to complete electronic annual representations and certifications at http://orca.bpn.gov in conjunction with the required CCR registration. The solicitation will be available electronically on or about August 10, 2010 via FedBizOpps at www.fedbizopps.gov. Amendments to the solicitation will also be provided on the Internet using the same protocol listed above. Telephone requests for hard copies will not be honored. Hard copies of the solicitation may also be provided in response to a written or faxed request received directly from the contractor. Requests for hard copies of the solicitation may also be faxed to (757) 441-3839. Quotes will be accepted electronically at the following email address: Brian.O'Boyle@noaa.gov and via facsimile at (757) 664-3636.