Workshop Facilitation to Address Invasive Forms of Research on Cook Inlet Beluga Whales

Deadline for written questions: 5.19.2017
Deadline for submissions: 5.31.2017

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is for the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) to procure the professional services of a contractor that will coordinate with the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) Alaska Region (AKR) Protected Resources Division (PRD) staff to plan and facilitate a workshop to address invasive forms of research on endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales (CIB).

Understanding the characteristics of this beluga population is crucial for effective management. Conducting research that uses invasive methods is one way to collect population data. Recently, NMFS identified the need for continuing population monitoring in both the Species in the Spotlight Action Plan for CIB 1 , and in the Recovery Plan for CIB 2 . The Recovery Plan specifically recommends the following recovery action: “Hold а workshop to consider the feasibility, risks, and benefits of different sampling techniques such as breath capture, remote ultrasound, and live captures to obtain samples and measures for further analysis.” While this recovery action serves as a useful guide in crafting an agenda for this workshop, it is important to note that with technological and methodological advances, other forms of invasive research not alluded to above may be worthy of consideration during the workshop.

Posted: 5.8.2017

Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Workshop Q&A

Download the full Request for Proposals (RFP) by clicking the Download RFP button below

Vessel Needed for Conservation Engineering Studies of Trawl Gear in the BS Pollock Fishery Evaluating Salmon Excluders, Behavior and Trawl Footrope

Deadline for written questions: 5.19.2017
Deadline for submissions: 6.9.2017

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) has a requirement for a trawl vessel and crew to conduct studies in 2017 to evaluate the performance of trawl gear being utilized in Alaskan fisheries and fish behavior in those nets. The base charter will consist of 10 charter days, with an option for the PSMFC to extend the contract for up to 10 additional charter days and for one-year option periods (2018 and 2019).

The purpose of this research is to better understand and determine mitigation measures for bycatch, bycatch mortality, and contact of trawl gear with the seafloor. Primary research goals for the charter trips will focus on, but are not limited to (1) increasing salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) escapement rates for commercial fishing gear; evaluating the dynamics of the pelagic trawl gear used to capture walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus, hereaft.er, “pollock”); and determining optimal ways to monitor fish behavior in the trawl net.

Posted: 5.1.2017

Download the full Request for Proposals (RFP) by clicking the Download RFP button below