Fishing Vessel, Captain, and Crew for Annual Inshore Scallop Assessment Survey: Scallop Production Areas 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Fishing Vessel, Captain, and Crew for Annual Inshore Scallop Assessment Survey: Scallop Production Areas 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. 1.2 Introduction Scientific assessment surveys for Scallop Production Areas (SPA) 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 take place annually, between June and September. These surveys provide information on the abundance, size and age composition, growth and spatial distribution of scallops as well as data on the other species of fish and invertebrates caught in the drag. Data obtained from the surveys are the source of fishery independent data for the scallop stock assessment and advice. 1.3 Estimated Value The estimated usage during this contract is 34 sea days for a total annual cost of $200,000 each year. The charter shall provide an all-inclusive cost for a “Sea Day” based on: all vessel operating costs, crew wages, adequate food and fresh water for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) personnel and the crew, vessel maintenance and repair costs, fuel and oil, dump table and vessel wharf fees for the duration of the contract period.  No costs associated with the vessel or its crew will be the responsibility of DFO. The total value of the charter shall not exceed $200,000 per year, including travel and living expenses and all applicable taxes. 1.4 Contract Period Contract award through to April 30, 2021, (approximately 12 Months) with options to renew for 4 additional 1 year periods at the sole discretion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Option periods if exercised will be: May 1, 2021 through to April 30, 2022, May 1, 2022 through to April 30, 2023, May 1, 2023 through to April 30, 2024 and May 1, 2024 through to April 30, 2025. The Project work will take place between June 1 and September 30 of each year. Thirty-four (34) sea days will be required each year. Exact dates will be determined by the DFO scientist in-charge. NOTE: Due to COVID-19 the number of “Sea Days” could be reduced.  The actual number of sea days conducted will be at the discretion of the project authority. 1.5 Contract Area of Operation The work will be conducted throughout Grand Manan (SPA 6), Bay of Fundy (SPA 1, 4, 5) and approaches (SPA 3). The vessel must be willing to berth at various ports in the Bay of Fundy for the duration of the project. Note: These will be determined by operational requirements. 1.6 Objectives of the Requirement The objective of the contract is the successful completion of one tow per station, up to a maximum of 800 stations, over a period of 34 sea days in 2020 and each option year if exercised, using scallop survey gear supplied by DFO. Fisheries and Oceans Canada representatives may sample scallops and other invertebrate species and/or fish for stock status indices, and keep them for subsequent biological studies if required.