CEFAS26-79 Macrofauna Analysis of Sediment Samples

Cefas require processing of 33 macrofaunal samples by extracting and identifying all biota retained on a 1.0 mm capture mesh, in accordance with the extraction and identification protocols set out in the NMBAQC guidelines.

The Falmouth dredged material disposal site is located south of Falmouth, Cornwall, just outside the entrance to Falmouth Bay. As part of a monitoring programme funded by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), sediment samples were collected from within and around the site in July 2026 during a survey aboard the RV Cefas Endeavour. A 0.1 m² mini Hamon grab was used to collect 33 samples, comprising three replicates from each of 11 stations. Sample details are provided in Appendix 1. Shortly after collection, the samples were preserved in approximately 5% buffered formaldehyde. Each container has internal and external labels clearly identifying the survey and station information.

The Supplier will process 33 macrofaunal samples by extracting and identifying all biota retained on a 1.0 mm capture mesh, in accordance with the extraction and identification protocols set out in the NMBAQC guidelines (NMBAQC scheme - APEM). The resulting data must also be audited in accordance with the NMBAQC Own Samples protocol before being submitted to Cefas.

Enumeration, identification and biomassing must be carried out to the lowest possible taxonomic level in accordance with the NMBAQC Processing Requirement Protocol and Taxonomic Discrimination Protocol (NMBAQC scheme - APEM). Wet-weight biomass, recorded in grams to at least four decimal places, is required for all enumerable taxa. Balances must be serviced annually, and a valid service certificate must be supplied with the tender.

A single reference collection containing all identified species/taxa must be returned to the Cefas laboratories in Lowestoft in an appropriate preservation liquid, such as 100% IDA or a mixture of 70% IMS, 20% water and 10% glycerol. As a minimum, the reference collection must record the species name, identifier/supervisor name, station code, cruise code, collection date and species identification verifier name. An electronic list of all taxa included in the reference collection, containing the same details, must also be provided. Notable taxa, including non-native species and new or unusual records, must be highlighted in this list. Records of non-native species must be added to the Non-native Species Information Portal (NNSIP), hosted on the Non-native Species Secretariat website GB Non Native Species Information Portal (GBNNSIP) - providing records and alerts for non-native species in Great Britain | InfraPortal.

Following completion of the work, the abundance and biomass data matrices must be submitted by email to an address that Cefas will confirm during contract implementation. All species names must first be checked using the WoRMS ‘Match Taxa’ tool to ensure that the nomenclature is current (http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=match).

Quality assurance:

Three samples from this contract are to be subject to an independent QA process following the requirements of the NMBAQC ‘own sample’ scheme assessment criteria with the scheme coordinator (or their assigned AQC lab) (see above). As this is also a project level audit the full data set will be quality assured; in addition to the samples selected to assess processing, additional taxa will be identified for review from the full data matrix. Any remedial action required following the AQC process must be completed within an agreed timeframe at no extra cost to the project, including any subsequent AQC needed.

The AQC contract will be arranged and paid for by Cefas. The processing and audit laboratories will include Cefas in all communications relating to this contract and will work to ensure timely delivery.

Deliverables:

1. Externally audited, quality-controlled abundance and biomass matrices with current nomenclature (Primary processing and Audit lab)
2. Reference collection (Primary processing lab)
3. Internal Quality Control logs (Primary processing lab)
4. Audited Quality Control report (Audit lab)
5. Weekly project summary updates and correspondence between primary processing and audit lab (Primary processing and Audit lab)

Delivery Dates:

1. Primary analysis to be completed by end November 2026
2. Fully AQC’d data to be completed by end of December 2026.
3. Reference collection to be returned to Cefas by end of January 2027.

Quantity:

33. mini Hamon grab samples (details of the samples can be found in Appendix 1 below).

Location:

Samples are available for collection by the successful Supplier as soon as possible following Contract signature, from the storage facility in Lowestoft (costs to be included in tender as per RFQ Part 2 – Pricing). Details of the sample collection are to be confirmed following contract allocation and samples must be transported safely and securely. Download the Bidder Pack at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for CEFAS26-79 under opportunities.