A -- ALASKA CHUKCHI SEA REGION SEA SNAIL AND KING CRAB TEST = FISHERY STUDY

Notice Date

June 1, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric = Administration (NOAA), Western Administrative Support Center, 7600 Sand = Point Way, Northeast, Seattle, WA, 98115-6349

ZIP Code

98115-6349

Solicitation Number

52ABNF100081

Response Due

July 23, 2001

Point of Contact

Crystina Elkins, Procurement Clerk, Phone (206) 526-4499, Fax = (206) 526-6025, Email crystina.r.elkins@noaa.gov

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science = Center is conducting a one-year test fishery project in the Chukchi Sea = region of Alaska. This study is a continuation and extension of = resource surveys and fishery development efforts that have been = conducted over the last three years. The goal of this project is to = expand the sea snail study area, retest the king crab areas, focus on = marketability and determine if those species exist in sufficient = numbers to create economically feasible fisheries alternatives for area = residents. 1) Sea Snail Study: Expand the testing area to the southern = parts of Kotzebue Sound, to learn more about good target areas and = movement patterns within the season and to determine the economic = feasibility of sea snail in the summer season. The contractor shall = provide qualified local fishermen and their vessels for support to = conduct test fishing operations to target species in areas which = previous surveys indicated higher abundance and attempt to maximize = their Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE). The contractor shall provide a = qualified market analysis consultant for support to determine the = economic feasibility of this resource by evaluating various factors = such as: test fishing CPUE's market value of catches, cost of fishing = operations, processing costs, and transportation costs. 2) King Crab = Study: Conduct fishing in the previous areas that were most productive = and note the trend data. This will provide insight as to the movement = patterns of king crab within the season and focus on the economic = feasibility of king crab in the summer season. The contractor shall = provide qualified fishermen with larger vessels for support to conduct = test fishing operations further offshore or beyond the range of local = vessels to target species in areas which previous surveys indicated = high abundance and attempt to maximize their catch per unit effort = (CPUE). The vessel is required to remain out at sea for long periods = of time, so must be a minimum length of 40 feet, capable of hauling = gear in 10-12 foot seas, and accommodate a minimum of 5 crew members. = All king crab test fishing shall be done in compliance with State of = Alaska subsistence crab fishing regulations applicable to the area. = The contractor shall provide a qualified market analysis consultant for = support to determine the economic feasibility of this resource by = evaluating various factors such as: test fishing CPUE's market value of = catches, cost of fishing operations, processing costs, and = transportation costs. Period of performance will be from date of = contract award through one year. All responsive and responsible offers = will be considered.

Web Link

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010605/ASOL004.HTM (D-152 SN50N7E7)