Request for Proposals

Project Goals and Objectives:

The purpose of this project is to determine patterns of movement of Atlantic cod throughout the year by tagging fish in selected areas of the Gulf of Maine. Those areas include: 1) Cashes Ledge and Fippennies Ledge, and 2) areas from Mount Desert Island to Browns Bank. Cod will be tagged year round with focus on areas and seasons where they have been known to be most abundant in the past and present based on fishermen’s knowledge and fishing experience.

• 
  Develop a collaborative cod tagging program between scientists and fishermen in the Gulf of Maine area, including Canada;
  

• 
  Obtain and analyze data from tagging recaptures that will enhance our understanding of cod distribution and movement patterns in the Gulf of Maine, and surrounding waters;
  

• 
  Determine if local substocks or units of cod occupy selected fishing grounds year round in the areas of Cashes Ledge, Fippennies Ledge, and the eastern Gulf of Maine (Mt. Desert Island out to Browns Bank);
  

• 
  Describe the size and age structure, and reproductive characteristics of cod tagged in these areas;
  

• 
  Establish a preliminary understanding of cod movements and stock structure that will enable us to develop testable hypothesis for continuing tagging studies.
  

1. 
   rigging for catching cod either by trawl, hook and line or gillnet;
   
2. 
   nets and twine to support fishing activities;
   

7. 
   food for the cod tagging assistant and other scientific staff as well as crew; and
   
8. 
   bunk space for up to two scientific staff on 2-day trips.
   

2. 
   Provide captain who is knowledge of waters and crew able to conduct tows in one of the two areas as requested in the vessel bid.
   

2. 
   Provide vessel and crew capable of rigging and handling fishing gear for catching cod in a gentle manner to increase their survivability.
   

5. 
   Provide life raft and other safety equipment to accommodate captain, crew, and up to two scientific staff, except for survival suit (provided by scientific staff).
   

5. 
   Complete the specified trips on schedule, except if delayed by weather. (Vessel bears risk and expense of weather delays.)
   

5. 
   Participate in planning meetings required to organize project.
   

5. 
   Enter into a written contract with GMA regarding vessel services and payment.
   

2. 
   Two photographs of vessel, one beam to and one of deck layout.
   

2. 
   Vessel specifications (LOA, engine horsepower, fishing gear, electronics).
   

2. 
   Owner name, address, business phone, cell phone and e-mail.
   

2. 
   Captain name, address, business phone, cell phone and e-mail, if different from owner.
   

2. 
   Specify the area or areas (Area 1 - Cashes Ledge and Fippennies Ledge; Area 2 - eastern Gulf of Maine - Mt. Desert Island out to U.S./Canada border) that the vessel would like to be considered for in the proposal process.
   

2. 
   Captain’s experience in the groundfish fishery, including any experience fishing in Area 1 or Area 2.
   

2. 
   Owner’s experience participating in fishery research projects.
   

2. 
   Captain’s experience participating in fishery research projects, if different from owner.
   

2. 
   Certificate of insurance or statement of willingness to provide same showing that vessel is covered for crew and up to two scientific observers (cod tagging assistants).
   

2. 
   Statement that vessel will be made available for project beginning in March 2003 through March 2005 at times mutually agreed upon by project participants.
   

2. 
   Charter cost per 24-hour day, assuming seven trip of two days duration for Area 1 and seven trips of one day duration for Area 2. (total of 14 days for Area 1 and 7 days for Area 2).
   

1. 
   Experience of vessel owner in groundfish fishery: 10 points
   
2. 
   Experience of vessel captain in groundfish fishery: 20 points