GB-Lowestoft: Sampling of Cuttlefish in Brixham and Plymouth

There is an urgent requirement to investigate the size structure of commercial cuttlefish landings across all fishing gear groups and identify any spatiotemporal differences. High resolution temporal data on cuttlefish from Plymouth and Brixham fish markets are to be collected for 6 months, through an onshore sampling programme.

Objectives are to:

1.Collect biological data on cuttlefish, weekly at Brixham and Plymouth fish markets, to determine stock composition and growth rates.

2.Assessment of landings composition in terms of year classes present throughout the season and their distribution.

3.Data entry (to be input to a digital template provided by Cefas), statistical analysis and preparation of a report of findings.

Biological samples (5 per fish-market visit) are to be recorded by vessel/landing from a variety of gear types and vessel sizes. data are to be collected on specimen mantle length (cm) and total weight of the cuttlefish per grade/landing. Measurements, per gear type, should include 200 specimens from ungraded samples per landing/vessel, and 40 specimens for graded samples (per grade).

Bi-monthly 2-page summaries are to be submitted to Cefas, detailing the samples.

To find out more or to respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/Y9K6NB943E

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.