Request for tenders: Retrieval of fishing nets lost or abandoned at sea
Cefas is currently involved in an EU funded study (Contract SI. 2.466030/FISH/2006/15 - Lot 5) with the Marine Institute, Galway, Ireland; Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Dun Laogahire, Ireland and The Sea Fish Industry Authority, Hull, UK. This study, entitled "DEEPCLEAN", has the overall objectives (i) to conduct targeted retrieval exercises of lost, discarded and abandoned nets in deep-water gillnet fisheries > 200 m and (ii) to conduct structured surveys in order to estimate the quantity and range of ghost nets in these fisheries, In addition, the efficiency of the retrieval creeper will be investigated in a short 5-7 day camera survey.
As part of this DEEPCLEAN study, Cefas now invites tenders from suitable EU registered fishing vessels to conduct net retrieval surveys mainly at pre-defined locations off the coast of Ireland and the UK during 2008.
Cefas propose to contract a vessel(s) for 1 x 5-7 day camera survey and 2 x approximately 20-day retrieval surveys to be conducted during the period May - September 2008. A similar call for tenders to carry out additional surveys will be made by BIM in Ireland. The aim of the dedicated camera survey is to estimate the efficiency of the retrieval gear. Vessels may apply for all three tenders and/or separately for the camera survey.
Full details of the tender can be found in the following tender documentation:
The deadline for reciept of tenders is 17:00 on 7 March 2008.
