Microplastics and Shellfish Aquaculture: Presence, Extent, Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Solicitation # : F5211-150439 Closing Date: March 16, 2016 Closing Time : 2:00 PM (Atlantic Standard Time) This requirement is for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). Title: Microplastics and Shellfish Aquaculture: Presence, Extent, Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures OBJECTIVES OF THE REQUIREMENT 1) Determine the concentration of microplastics in clams, oysters, and mussels cultured in coastal BC. 2) Determine the concentration of microplastics in the surrounding environment. 3) Characterize the type of microplastics found and identify potential sources. 4) Evaluate depuration as a potential mechanism to eliminate microplastics. 5) Investigate the impact of microplastics on shellfish health and resilience. Scientific research will be used to address the objectives above. Data will be collected and analyzed and results written up as articles for submission to peer-reviewed journals. BACKGROUND While large plastic debris is a known threat to marine biota, microplastics (<5 mm) have received increased attention in the last six years due to ingestion risk, persistence, and ubiquity (Desforges et al., 2013). Industrial and residential wastewaters are major sources of microplastics containing synthetic clothing fibers, industrial pellets (e.g. resin pellets), and particles from facial cleansers (Cole et al., 2011). Microplastics are also formed by the degradation and fragmentation of macroplastics (Browne et al., 2011; Andrady, 2011) originating from recreational, commercial, and industrial activities including aquaculture and fishing industries (Cole et al., 2011). Current shellfish culturing methods involve the use of anti-predator netting (usually constructed of plastic) for intertidal clams while oyster culture utilizes plastic intertidal fencing and rafts which incorporate an abundance of nylon ropes, polystyrene, and various other plastic types as floats and cages (Jamieson et al., 2001; Dumbauld et al., 2009). Microplastics have been found throughout the marine environment in both sediments and water (Hidalgo-Ruz et al., 2012) and within a variety of marine taxa, including commercially-grown bivalves (Van Cauwenberghe & Janssen, 2014). Recent research found microplastics in all samples of seawater collected from sites in coastal BC, ranging from 8 to 9,179 particles/m3, but little is known about the implications for biota (Deforges et al., 2014). Harmful physical impacts on animal health have been observed in lugworms, mussels, and zooplankton (Cole et al., 2013; Bessling et al., 2013). Toxic leachate from the ingested microplastics themselves, and from waterborne pollutants that may adhere to the microplastic particles due to their hydrophobic nature, could also lead to bioaccumulation and detrimental toxic effects (Oehlmann et al., 2009). To date, no study has examined the broad-scale responses of marine bivalves to microplastic ingestion. The work proposed in this RFP will be significantly adding to this new area of research by using highly informative functional genomics to elucidate the effects of microplastics on overall animal health. As the knowledge about microplastics has increased, so too has public concern about human consumption through seafood; particularly for filter-feeding bivalves that are natural bioaccumulators for water-borne particles and pollutants. Annual dietary exposure of microplastics for European consumers of shellfish has been estimated at up to 11,000 particles per year (Van Cauwenberghe & Janssen, 2014). The shellfish industry in BC would like to be proactive in addressing this concern by conducting research to determine the presence and extent of microplastics in shellfish and the surrounding environment, mitigation strategies, and potential health impacts. The BC Shellfish Growers Association and DFO are collaborating to conduct research examining the objectives detailed above (see 1.4). PERIOD OF CONTRACT The Work is anticipated to be performed from the date of Contract award to December 31, 2017 SECURITY The Contractor/Offeror must, at all times during the performance of the Contract/Standing Offer/Supply Arrangement, hold a valid Designated Organization Screening (DOS) with approved Document Safeguarding at the level of PROTECTED A, issued by the Canadian Industrial Security Directorate, Public Works and Government Services Canada. The Contractor/Offeror personnel requiring access to PROTECTED information, assets or work site(s) must EACH hold a valid RELIABILITY STATUS, granted or approved by the Canadian Industrial Security Directorate (CISD), Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). The Contractor MUST NOT utilize its Information Technology systems to electronically process, produce or store PROTECTED information until the DFO or the CISD/PWGSC has issued written approval. After approval has been granted or approved, these tasks may be performed up to the level of PROTECTED A. Subcontracts which contain security requirements are NOT to be awarded without the prior written permission of the DFO or the CISD/PWGSC. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the mandatory evaluation criteria as detailed herein. Bidders’ Proposals must clearly demonstrate that they meet all Mandatory Requirements for the proposal to be considered for further evaluation. Proposals not meeting the mandatory criteria will be excluded from further consideration. Mandatory Criteria

M1 Bidders must demonstrate that they have a minimum of 7 scientific papers published in international peer-reviewed journals. M2 Bidders must demonstrate ability to conduct research on shellfish aquaculture and shellfish genomics. SELECTION METHOD The basis of selection is Highest Compliant Combined Rating of Technical Merit and Price. Enquiries regarding this RFP requirement are to be submitted in writing to the following: Mat Keating Senior Contracting Officer Materiel and Procurement Services Fisheries and Oceans Canada 301 Bishop Drive Fredericton (NB) E3C 2M6 Email : DFOtenders-soumissionsMPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca