Survey 1Manatee Abundance Survey In fall/winter 2026, FWC will conduct one manatee abundance… and 1 more item

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) awarded a contract valued at $7,100.00 for aerial survey services supporting manatee population monitoring and management activities. The contract period extends from award date August 31, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The primary place of performance is the west coast of Florida, with survey operations covering coastal areas from Franklin to Monroe County. Aircraft operations are based out of Venice Municipal Airport in Venice, Florida. The contract encompasses two distinct survey components: a manatee abundance survey scheduled for fall/winter 2026 (November or December, weather permitting) and miscellaneous follow-on surveys that may be requested throughout the contract period.

The manatee abundance survey requires approximately 100 flight hours conducted over a minimum of 4 days using multiple aircraft (2 to 5) to cover the survey area efficiently. Pilots must possess previous manatee aerial survey experience and are required to fly precise rectangular plots at 750 feet altitude and 80-90 knots airspeed using navigational systems, Global Positioning System technology, and iPad-based flight planning software. Miscellaneous surveys may include aerial observer training flights, emergency response flights during environmental events such as red tide or cold water events, animal tracking to support capture or rescue operations, and feasibility research flights. Pricing is structured at $220.00 per hour for wet aircraft lease (including fuel) and $60.00 per hour for pilot services, with cumulative not-to-exceed amounts of $13,000 and $2,000 respectively for the two survey line items.