CEFAS23-97 Contract for a Mackerel Tagging Vessel

North East Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus), is a widely distributed stock which exhibits significant seasonal migrations. Having a solid understanding of these migrations, including occupancy of different areas, is critical to successfully managing the stock. To better understand stock movements, Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags have been deployed in mackerel on the West coast of the UK and Ireland by Norway since 2011. However, areas of the North Sea are not included in Norway's tagging survey. Our study will aim to deploy tags in the North Sea, providing additional data to the international effort to understand stock characteristics, which will facilitate sustainable management of mackerel. Cefas require a suitable vessel to support the capture of mackerel and deployment of PIT tags in the North Sea. Cefas plan to deploy up to 15,000 tags on live mackerel and will provide a minimum of 6 personnel to tag the fish, working with the vessel to deliver the scientific objectives of the survey.

The exact mobbing, transit, sea-days and demobbing dates will be agreed between Cefas and the skipper, but the days at sea will need to fall between the 11th September and 19th September 2023 due to scientific staff availability. The vessel must be available for seven consecutive days at sea within this period. The 2023 survey duration is 7 days but may be increased to cover bad weather days.

Subject to confirmation of funding, further surveys in subsequent years may be required. If confirmed, these will likely be conducted within the same time period each year. Subject to funding the duration of future surveys may be extended to approximately 14 days. The Contract could therefore be extended to undertake surveys for up to a further 3 years, however each extension period will be confirmed on an annual basis subject to confirmation of funding.