Pacific Herring Survey of the British Columbia Coast

Scope of Work:  DFO Science assesses British Columbia Pacific Herring stocks annually. Stock assessment uses an age-structured assessment model requiring annual updates of proportions at age, weight at age, and spawn survey data. Data collected through the Pacific Herring Survey Program, described in this Statement of Work are used by stock assessment scientists to assess the biomass of herring stocks, and provide annual biomass forecasts to Fisheries Management, information which is then used in the annual Integrated Fisheries Management Plan process for BC Pacific Herring.  Objectives of the Requirement  Two objectives for the Pacific Herring Survey program are as follows: Objective #1 is to measure herring spawn deposition (eggs) through SCUBA dive surveys or surface surveys (as described below) in some or all (as needed) of the five major stock assessment regions (Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert District, Central Coast, Strait of Georgia and the West Coast of Vancouver Island) and two minor regions (Area 2W and Area 27); Objective #2 is to obtain biological samples from pre-spawning aggregations of Pacific Herring using purse seine vessels in some or all (as needed) of the following major stock assessment regions: Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert District, Central Coast, Strait of Georgia and the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and minor region Area 2W. DFO Science uses data from these programs in the annual stock assessment process for Pacific Herring.  Duration of the contract The effective start date will be the date which the successful Contractor has been awarded the contract by DFO. The final deliverable(s) to be submitted to DFO on or before May 31, 2017.  Enquiries regarding this RFP requirement are to be submitted in writing to the following: Jianna-Lee Zomer Tel: (613) 993-4684 Email: jianna-lee.zomer@dfo-mpo.gc.ca