Cooperative flatfish trawl survey vessel solicitations have been posted on FedBizOpps https://www.fbo.gov/index
This information will also soon be posted on the Cooperative Research website at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/StateFedOff/coopresearch/
This research will emphasize industry based fishery independent trawl survey practices that will assist in filling data gaps relative to flatfish stock assessments. The vessels will be involved in conducting trawl net sweep comparison studies and biological sampling of flatfish populations in the Gulf of Maine , Georges Bank, and Southern New England . The purpose of the sampling will be (1) to conduct experimental work to estimate net efficiency for each net used in the survey for a range of depths and habitat types and (2) to provide biological sampling and tagging opportunities. The projects will evaluate flatfish catchability of a Bigelow 4-seam net with rock hopper and cookie sweeps across the range of suitable flatfish habitats. While winter flounder is a priority, the survey projects will broadly address flatfish catchability, and will be directed by NEFSC staff. Winter, summer and yellowtail flounder catch rates and size composition will be compared across habitat types and with inshore and offshore surveys. Results will inform discussions on the need for a dedicated flatfish survey in the future. For solicitation documents, please click on the following links, or go to the FedBizOpps site above and search for the appropriate solicitation number provided below.
*Note – these solicitations are for vessel bids to perform work directed by NEFSC scientists. Thus original research proposals are NOT being solicited for this work. Application directions are included in the solicitation documents accessible through the links below. Bids will be evaluated on a best value basis according to the following factors, listed in descending order of importance, (1) Vessel characteristics and configuration (2) Vessel’s commercial fishing history fishing capability (3) Master’s and crew’s work experience and qualifications (4) Pertinent vessel documentation including stability letter, marine insurance coverage, and structural survey or insurance inspection and (5) Price. Questions on the solicitations may be directed to Timothy.Wampler@noaa.gov
Also please note that there is a very short turn-around for these solicitations: August 14th for the Twin Trawl project in SNE, and August 24th for the Paired Trawl surveys, though late applications may be considered. We apologize for the short turn-around, but would like to get projects started for the 2009 Fall season in SNE, and Spring 2010 for the other areas. Additional industry-based cooperative research projects are planned for the 2010 Fiscal Year, and will be announced at a later date.
Twin Trawl Flatfish Survey – Southern New England
Solicitation Number: EA133F-09-RQ-0926
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=92fb9f41b9349799cbe0ded85fa3378b&_cview=0
Paired Trawl Flatfish Survey – Georges Bank
Solicitation Number: EA133F-09-RQ-0938
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=36d648458d3675d8216c2ed1e5af90ea&_cview=0
Paired Trawl Flatfish Survey – Gulf of Maine
Solicitation Number: EA133F-09-RQ-0937
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=d3b66119aa9614543dad1cb470bf2f7b&_cview=0
Paired Trawl Flatfish Survey– Southern New England
Solicitation Number: EA133F-09-RQ-0927
https://www.fbo.gov/download/90c/90c9ff62e7ac271ecc6e27b33049256e/SOLICITATION.doc