Charter Vessel -Cetacean and Sea Turtle Survey

Title: Vessel Survey for Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO), Cetacean and Sea Turtle survey off southwest coast of Vancouver Island, BC Background: Annual cetacean and sea turtle surveys are conducted off the South West Coast of Vancouver Island to fill knowledge gaps in cetacean distribution, population size, and habitat use, as well as killer whale diet and foraging behavior. Contractors have been hired in the past to perform vessel operations and sampling in close proximity to cetaceans, with an expert understanding of cetacean behavior required to complete this objective while minimizing cetacean disturbance and maintaining consistency in data collection in accordance with SARA research permitting regulations. Location of Work: West coast Vancouver Island from Sooke to Kyuquot Sound and offshore Canadian waters DFO requires a vessel charter from date of contract award to April 30, 2025, with two (2) year additional one (1) option periods.