Cefgas Self-sampling survey

INVITATION TO TENDER SESAMI – Self-Sampling of the Inshore sector BACKGROUND This study has been initiated following meetings held between the New Under Ten Fishermen’s Association (NUTFA) and CEFAS scientists. There is a recognised need to develop industry driven self-sampling schemes because scientific observer programmes suffer from low coverage relative to the total fishing activity. Currently, there is a lack of useful data sets on fisheries specifically utilised by the small scale sector. Improved information on catches and fishing practices is required to illustrate the variability within the inshore sector and to support the management positions for this group.

The aim of this project is to conduct a self-sampling trial with the under 10m fishing fleets in England to supplement existing observer data and gather evidence on the fishing practices of the under tens. The project will also be used to trial the most selective configurations and strategies of different gear types including gill, trammel, and tangle nets, hand lines and other types used by the Under 10m fleets. The self-sampling trial will take place between July 2012 and June 2014.

The project will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will involve data collection by skippers and crew, and the validation of the data they collect by CEFAS Observers. In the second phase, participating vessels will be involved in trials to develop the most selective configurations and strategies for their gear.

WHAT IS REQUIRED We are looking for 15 Under 10m vessels fishing in Area VIId and another 15 Under 10m vessels fishing in Areas VIIe, f, g, and h to take part in the trial.

Vessels that use different fishing techniques will be considered but priority will be given to vessels that use gill, trammel and tangle nets, and hand lines. In the interest of transparency and fairness, a selection protocol will be applied to all respondents. 100 days of data from consecutive fishing trips will be required from each participating vessel.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS In order to validate the data collected by skippers and crew, Cefas Observers will accompany skippers at arranged times during the trial. No strict timetable will be used by Observers but participating vessels will be required to let observers come on-board at agreed times.

The project steering committee will be responsible for selecting vessels to participate in the trial.

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PRICE Payment will be made to the vessel owners for the collection of the data. This is to compensate for the inconvenience of recording the information and to ensure data quality. A fixed rate of ÂŁ25.00 will be paid for each day of data collected. Payment will be dependent on the data being in compliance with the protocols set out by the project managers. A maximum of 100 days of data can be provided by each vessel, equating to ÂŁ2,500 per vessel. Interim payments will be made for each set of 50 days of data received. The opportunity to conduct fishing gear trials will also be available to participating vessels. These vessels will be selected in a separate tendering process.

CONTRACT AWARD Vessels selected will be invited to enter into a contract for the duration of the trial. A draft set of contract Terms and Conditions is enclosed for information.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SAFETY OF TAKING SCIENTISTS TO SEA The selected vessels and crew will seek to ensure the safety of Cefas staff, and, accordingly Cefas staff will be under instructions to ensure that all standard safety items and procedures are adequate before each sailing.

Safety requirements will be made clear when discussing the Detailed Operations Plan. Failure to meet the minimum Cefas safety requirements will result in the vessel being unable to take part in the trial.

CONTACTS FOR THE TENDER To take part in the trial, please complete the form below and return it to: Stephen Mangi, CEFAS Brixham, 55 Briseham Road, Brixham, South Devon, TQ5 9NX.

Alternatively, contact: Samantha Smith on 07979067510 or 01736 350653 if you fish in the S West; and Simon Armstrong on 07979575776 or 01803 858636, if you fish in the S East.

For further enquires on the project contact: Stephen Mangi on 01803 858636; 07827986113 or stephen.mangi@cefas.co.uk; or Tom Catchpole at thomas.catchpole@cefas.co.uk.

For clarification on the tender requirements contact the Cefas Procurement Manager on 01502 521349 or lisa.scott@cefas.co.uk.

TIMETABLE Tenders must be delivered by 16:00 Friday 29 June 2012.

Tenderers will be informed of the results as soon as possible.

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Send completed form to Stephen Mangi, CEFAS Brixham, 55 Briseham Road, Brixham, South Devon, TQ5 9NX.

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS 1. NAME OF TENDERER (In capitals) Name:

2. ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS (in capitals) Address for contacting over this tender:

Daytime phone numbers and mobile number: Email address:

3. VESSEL NAME & SKIPPER Vessel Name: Vessel Registration Number: Skipper: I acknowledge that any change of Skipper has to be of one with qualifying experience of the fishery, and the name of any replacement and his experience notified immediately.

4. VESSEL SPECIFICATION Length: HP engine power: Port:

5. FISHING GEAR Specific fishing gear(s): 3

Specification and dimensions of the gear: General annual fishing pattern:

6. AVAILABILITY OF THE VESSEL Number of days the vessel will be available to provide data: The vessel will be available from:

to:

7. AREA OF OPERATION ICES area fished:

8. SUITABILITY OF THE VESSEL FOR THE TRIAL Number of crew: I confirm the vessel and skipper will be available for a port visit by a Cefas scientist before a successful Contract Award, to assess the suitability of the vessel for the requirements of the project.

9. SAFETY I confirm that a current and valid Marine and Coastguard Agency Safety Certificate is held for the vessel.

I confirm a mid-term inspection has/has not (delete as applicable) been carried out by the MCA. I confirm the vessel complies with the applicable code on safety equipment such as: Liferafts, Lifejackets, Distress Rockets and Flares, Radio Equipment and first aid consumables.

I confirm that all crew have completed four 1-x sea survival, first aid, fire fighting and safety awareness safety courses and their certificates will be available for inspection.

I confirm the vessel will be available for a safety inspection by a qualified surveyor.

I confirm there will be no carriage of illegal drugs or alcohol on the vessel.

Please state how this will be enforced.

YOUR SIGNATURE:

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