Capelin seiner NAFO 4R and 4Svw-2018

The contract, of a minimum duration of 10 days, will start between May 14 and 22, 2018 and will end no later than June 9, 2018. The main objective of the project is to perform a capelin hydro acoustic survey targeting NAFO divisions 4R and 4Svw in the spring of 2018 and to develop a methodology usable in other zones of the gulf. The aim is to address the need to validate the hydro acoustic data by capturing biological samples through the chartering of a fishing vessel. The study area is from St-Georges Bay to Savage Point (north of St-Barbe, NFLD) and from Blanc Sablon to Natashquan (Qc), but could be extended to other sectors of the 4RST NAFO divisions. The study area will be divided into strata and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) hydro acoustic boat (F. G. Creed) will survey each of the strata following parallel lines (transects). The chartered fishing boat will have to stay close to the hydro acoustic boat and catch fish samples when aggregations are detected in order to validate the acoustic signals. To do so, the Contractor will:

Stay in close to the hydro acoustic boat and catch intact fish samples when aggregations will be detected in order to validate the acoustic signals Assist the MPO technician on fishing vessel. Freeze the fish samples on fishing vessel. Send the frozen samples and the logbook to the Maurice Lamontagne Institute (DFO, 850 Route de la mer, Mont-Joli Qc G5H 3Z4, “attention” the Project Authority), either by the Bella Desgagnés or by giving the packages to a DFO technician in Sept-Îles, Corner Brook or Mont-Joli. Follow the instructions given by the mission head (scientist) and/or the DFO technician on board.