Charter Boat Mission Mackerel Egg

This bid solicitation cancels and supersedes previous bid solicitation number 30004286 dated May 12, 2023 with a closing of June 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. ADT. A debriefing or feedback session will be provided upon request to bidders/offerors/suppliers who bid on the previous solicitation.

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).

The Science Sector of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is mandated to provide scientific information essential to the conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources. Scientists assess stock status and advise fishery managers and industry on conservation and management measures to protect exploited species. They conduct research on the biology, ecology and physiology of marine invertebrates and fishes, as well as on the factors influencing their abundance, recruitment, growth and reproduction.

The goal of this work is to develop conservation strategies that ensure a sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Stock assessments are conducted for many commercially exploited species in the Northwest Atlantic, including the northern spawning contingent (population) of Atlantic mackerel. Mackerel is a pelagic fish with an important ecological role as it is prey to many predators, including some species of commercial importance. It also supports an important commercial fishery in all Atlantic Canadian Provinces and Quebec. The end use of mackerel is mostly bait for other commercially exploited species including lobster, snow crab, and tunas.

A standardized mackerel egg and larvae survey covering their main spawning area (southern GSL) began in 1979 and continues to this day. The information gathered during these surveys is used to help determine the status of the spawning stock. A similar survey takes place in the territorial waters of the United States. Over the years, a number of exploratory surveys specifically targeting mackerel have also taken place in addition to the regular survey.