Herring Biological Sampling

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) requires laboratory services to process biological samples collected from British Columbia (BC) commercial herring fisheries, test fisheries, and research activities. The biological information obtained through sample processing supports annual stock assessments and the development of scientific advice regarding the status of BC herring stocks.

The Contractor will be required to provide all qualified personnel, laboratory facilities, equipment, materials, and services necessary to process approximately 200 to 250 herring samples per year. Each sample typically contains approximately 100 fish, although sample sizes may vary. The Contractor must process all samples provided by DFO, including samples containing fewer than 100 fish, in accordance with DFO-approved scientific procedures.

For each fish processed, the Contractor must record the fish's length, weight, sex, gonad length, gonad weight, maturity stage, and one suitable herring scale for subsequent age determination. All sample identification information and biological data must be entered into the MS Access database provided by DFO. The Contractor must also prepare herring scale slides, maintain daily electronic data backups, conduct quality control checks, and submit the required data and associated materials within the specified timelines.

The Contractor must provide a minimum two-person team consisting of one Project Manager and one Sampling Technician. The team must be available to process a minimum of five herring samples per day, with each sample containing approximately 100 fish. The Contractor must provide an appropriate laboratory facility with suitable workspace, equipment, cold-storage capacity, water supply, sanitation, and arrangements for the proper disposal of biological waste. Where the facility is located more than 10 km from the Pacific Biological Station (PBS), the Contractor will be responsible for arranging and paying for the pickup and transportation of samples from PBS to the facility.

Processing activities are anticipated to take place annually between March 1 and May 15, with all processing completed by May 15 unless otherwise authorized by the DFO Project Authority. The Contractor must coordinate sample receipt or pickup with DFO, provide weekly submissions of prepared herring scale slides and original sample labels during the processing period, and return cleaned, empty sample buckets strapped in groups of ten. Daily electronic data backups must be completed using the USB drive provided by DFO.

The Contractor must provide a completed MS Access database containing all required biological and sample information, prepared herring scale slides suitable for subsequent age determination, original sample labels, electronic data backup files, and cleaned sample buckets. All work must be performed in accordance with DFO's Procedures for Collecting and Processing British Columbia Herring Samples and any additional instructions provided by the DFO Project Authority.

The initial Contract period and each option year are expected to require similar services and sample-processing volumes. The actual number of samples provided may vary according to sample availability. Payment will be made only for samples provided by DFO and services completed in accordance with the Statement of Work.

The Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with performing the work, including personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, transportation where required, and waste disposal. All proposed personnel must be fluent in English and capable of understanding technical instructions, following scientific procedures, and communicating effectively with DFO personnel.