Evaluation of the benefits provided by the Volunteer Seabirds at Sea (VSAS) Citizen Science Programme

The programme recruits and trains volunteers to collect high quality seabirds at-sea data from vessels of opportunity to help fill knowledge gaps in the marine evidence framework, namely seabird distribution, relative abundance and their population trends. By coordinating regular volunteer-led at-sea seabird surveys in both Scotland and England, VSAS aims to fill these gaps and deliver contemporary, and more comprehensive, information on seabird population status and trends, enabling greater understanding of the UK's natural capital assets.

Monitoring seabirds at sea provides essential information to help the UK meet its national and international seabird conservation commitments, and data from at-sea surveys can contribute to identifying population trend drivers.

To meet the overall aims of this project , the following objectives must be met:

1. Volunteer Training

Evaluate the effectiveness of the volunteer training programme.

2. Survey Coordination

Review the mechanisms used for coordinating surveys.

3. Communication

Assess how well the programme communicates with volunteers, ferry operators and the wider community.

4. Community Engagement

Assess how well the programme involves and empowers communities, encourages diverse participation and raises awareness of the marine environment.

5. Natural Capital Cultural Benefits

Identify the natural capital cultural benefits of the programme, showing links to services such as Experiential & physical use (nature-based recreation, nature-based tourism & leisure, health & wellbeing), Scientific/educational, Aesthetic, Spiritual and/or Emblematic (Existence value of wildlife).

6. Technology and Infrastructure

Evaluate the technology and infrastructure supporting the programme, especially the effectiveness of online platforms, data management and delivery systems and tools provided to volunteers for data collection.

7. Data Uses

Review the existing and the potential future uses of data gathered by the programme and the resulting benefits for science, policy and decision-making.

8. Legal Requirements

Review data privacy, consent procedures and the ethical treatment of volunteers to ensure that the programme adheres to legal requirements.

9. Areas for Improvement

Identify specific areas for improvement based on the evaluation's findings. Provide recommendations that will enhance the programme's effectiveness, impact, sustainability, and development of cultural services.

10. Long-term Viability

Assess the programmes longevity, including future funding sources and volunteer retention strategies.

You are invited by JNCC Support Co (JNCC) to submit a tender for the supply of works or services required under the above project. If interested, you should download and carefully read the documents contained within the zip file.

Additional information: This opportunity has been extended from 8 August 2024 to 15 August 2024 the return time remains the same 16:00 hours.