Selective and high-performance pelagic trawl development for responsible redfish fishing (Sebastes mentella and Sebastes fasciatus) in the Saint-Lawrence gulf

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

The purpose of this bid solicitation is to fill critical knowledge gaps to support decision-making on critical conservation issues associated with redfish stocks. In the very likely event of a re-opening of commercial redfish fisheries, essential knowledge gaps to support decision-making on critical conservation issues need to be addressed. The project aims to develop and test a selective pelagic trawl in order to propose this alternative to fishermen exploiting redfish by bottom trawl. Innovative modifications to trawl will be proposed, tested, and optimized to increase selectivity, reduce bycatches, and avoid contact between fishing gear and seabed. The results will be used to assess trawl characteristics and fishing conditions allowing the capture of commercial size redfish while minimizing incidental catches of young individuals, which are currently highly abundant, as well as other species present in the target species habitat. Please see the attached RFP for additional information. DURATION OF CONTRACT The contract period is from date of contract to June 30, 2018 with option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods. ENQUIRIES – BID SOLICITATION All enquiries must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Authority no later than FOUR (4) calendar days before the bid closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered. PROCESS AND SELECTION METHODOLOGY A bid must comply with all requirements of the bid solicitation to be declared responsive. The responsive bid with the lowest evaluated price will be recommended for award of a contract. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS There is no security requirement applicable to the Contract.