Vessel charter and crew to carry out scientific surveys in deep water offshore areas in the Newfoundland and Labrador region.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT (NPP) Solicitation No. 30006751 Project Description: The Aquatic Ecosystems and Science Branches of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador (DFO NL region), require the full services of a chartered research vessel (vessel and crew) to carry out scientific surveys in the offshore area of the Southern Newfoundland Slope for a period of at least 14 days, between May and October 2025. It is necessary to carry out scientific surveys in these areas to collect baseline data, fill existing data gaps, and inform future management decisions. Background The proposed survey is a continuation of the work conducted during the 2024 expedition. It aims to further investigate the biodiversity and distribution of species such as corals and sponges, building on the data from previous surveys and informing future marine conservation efforts. Objective of the Requirement The main objective is to complete a survey to collect information that will inform management decisions, as well as to add to existing datasets on the biodiversity and broader distribution and abundance of species of conservation concern (e.g. corals and sponges). Contract Period: The term of the contract is from contract award to April 30, 2026.