AMMOP_PWS_3-19-25.pdf

SECTION C – CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, ALASKA FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER, FISHERIES MONITORING AND ANALYSIS DIVISION ALASKA MARINE

MAMMAL OBSERVER PROGRAM

2025 - 2026

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis (FMA) Division collects high quality fishery-dependent information from fisheries off Alaska to manage groundfish, Pacific halibut and protected resources. Pursuant to the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS, which has the delegated responsibility and authority to manage marine mammals, is directed to assess the level and nature of marine mammal interactions with commercial fishing operations, including serious injury and mortality (SI/M).

Current best available data for Southeast Alaska inland harbor porpoise SI/M bycatch levels incidental to the drift gillnet fishery suggest the fishery poses a high risk to stock levels. FMA will support NMFS under the MMPA by gathering information on the effects of southeast Alaska (SEAK) commercial gillnet fisheries managed by the State of Alaska on marine mammal stocks through the Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program (AMMOP). The data will be used to produce statistically reliable estimates of bycatch to be included in annual marine mammal stock assessment reports and used to determine MMPA risk levels on the List of Fisheries.

The FMA Division desires to obtain observer sampling services for the collection of fisheries data including fishing effort, gear characteristics and marine mammal and seabird interactions during the commercial salmon drift gillnet fisheries operating in inland waters of Southeast Alaska in 2025 and 2026.

1.2 BACKGROUND

The Southeast Alaska Gillnet Fishery The SEAK drift gillnet fisheries are managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG).

Gillnetters primarily target sockeye salmon in the early summer (June), then shift to pink salmon throughout midsummer (August) and coho salmon in late summer (late August). Fishing effort peaks in July coinciding with the sockeye run, dips and then peaks again in early September for coho (Figure 1).

Fishing is open to gillnetters in five districts and multiple terminal harvest areas (THAs) from the Canada border north to Skagway. However, the AMMOP efforts will focus only on open state commercial drift gillnet areas that overlap with the two inland harbor porpoise stocks, the northern and southern stocks. This includes four districts (6, 8, 11 and 15) and seven THAs (Figure 2); the fishery encompasses approximately 8,500 24-hour days of fishing activity.

The fleet is composed of 350 - 400 permit holders and vessels are relatively small (4-18 m/ 13 – 60 ft). Due to their size, vessels are unable to accommodate onboard observers (see Figure 3 for examples of gillnet vessels) and therefore, observer monitoring efforts through the AMMOP have historically been conducted from separate platforms (observers are deployed on separate vessels and monitor gear retrieval for bycatch from a nearby vantage point).

Commercial fishing typically opens at 12:01 pm each Sunday and lasts 48 or 72 hours ending at 12:00 pm two or three days later. However, open periods may be shorter or may be extended. THA fishery openings are less predictable and may be open longer or for the entire week. ADFG adaptively manages open periods based on weekly catch and abundance estimates in the region.

During an open fishery, gillnetters will take advantage of long daylight hours often fishing from dawn to dusk. During peak season, they may continue active fishing efforts throughout the night, however, based on past program data the majority of fishing begins at dawn, around 4:00 - 5:00 am, and ends around 1:00 - 2:00 am (22hrs/day).

Gillnetters may participate during all or part of any open period and are free to move among open areas as they desire. They may arrive at the fishing grounds either the night before or the morning of the opening day. After arriving at the grounds they take anchorage in a sheltered cove and prepare gear for the next day’s opener. On the morning of the opener, fishers arrive at the area they intend to fish and jockey for positions one to two hours prior to the designated opening time.

Gillnetters will typically remain on the fishing grounds and not return to harbor until the end of the open period. Occasionally if fishers are fishing close to their home port, may return home to dock for the night. A few gillnetters may not come into harbor at all for several weeks or for the duration of the salmon season, relying on tenders to deliver fuel and provisions.

Prior AMMOP operations The AMMOP was operational in SEAK previously during the 2012 and 2013 drift gillnet fishery. Due to the relatively large geographic expanse of the fishery throughout the region and associated high costs of the program operating solely from separate platforms, the previous AMMOP focused efforts on roughly 20% of the entire fishery in the central inland waters of Southeast Alaska districts

6, 8 and Anita Bay. Inland gillnet fisheries occurring in districts 11 and 15, and adjacent THAs have never been monitored.

Electronic monitoring

In 2023 and 2024, FMA partnered with Archipelago Marine Resources to conduct field trials deploying several types of electronic monitoring (EM) systems on SEAK drift gillnet vessels during salmon season. Results of those trials have been promising: vessels have adequate power to support small EM systems, there is space to install small EM units on several vessel configurations in locations that are accessible but do not impede fishing operations, and camera views and image quality are sufficient to capture seabird and marine mammal interactions with the nets.

The AMMOP will attempt, for the first time, to deploy EM technology alongside fishery observers during 2025 and 2026. The EM portion of this project will be procured outside of this solicited contract.

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK

The selected contractor shall provide observers to monitor the gillnet fishery over the course of 16 weeks in 2025 and 2026, from early June through September on the SEAK commercial drift gillnet fisheries districts 6, 8, 11, and 15 as well as adjacent THAs (Figure 2). All fishing activity within these spatial and temporal constraints will be subject to monitoring.

Sample dates (week 24 - 39): June 9, 2025 - September 28, 2025

June 7, 2026 - September 26, 2026

Permit holders will be randomly selected (daily, weekly or by fishery opener) dependent on the number of vessels participating, and all fishing activity occurring will be monitored appropriately.

(weekly sampling would begin each Sunday at 12:01 pm through the end of the fishery opener, typically lasting 2-3 days).

The contractor shall provide observers and other services to meet the objectives of the AMMOP.

Observer monitoring methods will be determined by the NMFS, FMA and will include:

1. Obtain reliable data that can be used to construct estimates of incidental serious injury and mortality of marine mammals and seabirds

2. Determine the reliability of reports submitted by vessel owners and operators

3. Identify changes in fishing methods or technology that may increase or decrease incidental serious injury or mortality

4. Collect biological samples to support and promote scientific studies

5. Record data on by-catch and discard levels of all other bycatch species

The Contractor shall provide fisheries observers and boat operator support staff, observer vessels, supervision, transportation, lodging and meals while in the field, insurance and quality control necessary to collect information on fishing effort, gear, biological samples, marine mammal and seabird bycatch data and interactions. Contractor shall additionally help the program support electronic monitoring coverage through installs/uninstalls, and simple maintenance as ability provides.

2.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

The Contractor’s performance shall be evaluated against the performance measures cited in this contract.

2.1 Program Staff Support – Fishery Observers

The Contractor shall provide and retain qualified personnel to act as fishery observers and perform sampling, data quality control checks, data entry, submissions and equipment maintenance.

Observers will be required to have served as fishery observers previously, preferably in the North Pacific Observer Program, and should be familiar with gillnet fishing operations. Observers with prior experience in protected resource observation and gillnet fisheries are highly desired.

Observers will collect essential fishery dependent data including:

● Marine mammal and seabird interaction

● Fishing effort – set time, haul time, harvest

● Fishing gear

● Fishing behavior

● Environmental conditions

● Specimen samples

The government will provide fishery observers with a training that will not exceed 10-days in length. This training will be offered once at the beginning of the fishing season in late May or early June prior to fieldwork. 3-5 days of training will cover data collection and 3-5 days will cover safety and water-based training. Data collection training may be virtual or may be in conjunction with the mandatory in-person safety training that will be held at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, Washington.

2.1.1 EM Support

Observers may additionally be responsible for moving, installing, and uninstalling provided EM equipment as needed under guidance from the project EM provider(s). EM systems that require no more than plugging into a 12-volt adapter or USB port can potentially be installed by observers who will be in opportune locations within the fishery to aid in deploying and collecting equipment.

Installation will consist of boarding vessels in port to attach mounting hardware to the vessel’s rail or canopy with hose clamps, zip ties or other means, and assembling the EM system by connecting camera(s) and hard drives. Training on EM system operation will be provided by the project EM provider, either during the pre-season observer training session under section 2.1, in the field or through user manuals provided. Personal protection and safety equipment will be provided by the NMFS AFSC’s North Pacific Observer Program and may be supplemented by the Contractor.

Observers will not be responsible for difficult or unique installs.

Moving, installing, and uninstalling EM equipment will require professional coordination with gillnet permit holders. To the extent possible, Observers may liaison with fishers prior to arriving in port to schedule EM installs. As part of the installation process, the participating vessel operator will also be provided brief training on the use of EM equipment, mandatory project log sheets, and a pre-fishing questionnaire to be completed jointly with the EM installer and vessel operator that captures data about anticipated fishing behavior, locations, and gear types. Upon return to port, the EM installer (or other designated person) will be responsible for uninstalling the EM equipment, completing an exit questionnaire, uploading EM image data, scanning/uploading paper datasheets, and sending SD cards to the AFSC Seattle Office as needed. EM Installation is expected to take no more than three hours and equipment collection no more than one hour.

2.2 Program Staff Support – Boat Operators and Boats

The small size of gillnet vessels prohibits accommodation of onboard observers. The Contractor shall procure four vessels and boat operation staff to provide observers with independent platforms from which they can monitor the fishery. At minimum, work vessels or skiffs must have a cabin to provide shelter, a private head, a 4-person capacity, and be capable of navigating sometimes turbulent waters in Southeast Alaska.

Boat operators must be experienced operators with professional and/or recreational experience throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Contractors who can supply vessel operators with experience operating small vessels to support a fisheries observer program will be given preference. The government will require the hired boat operator complete a boat safety training which includes but is not limited to the following topics:

● Cold-Water Survival Skills

● EPIRBs, Signal Flares, and MAYDAY Calls

● Man Overboard Recovery

● Firefighting

● Flooding & Damage Control

● Dewatering Pumps

● Immersion Suits and PFDs

● Abandon Ship Procedures

● Helicopter Rescue

● Life Rafts

● Emergency Procedures Drills

● In-the-Water Skills Practice

If a different course has been completed the boat operator needs to provide documentation that the training has met the US Coast Guard training requirements for drill conductors on commercial fishing vessels as listed under 46 CFR 28.270(c).

Vessels shall be procured prior to scheduled fieldwork. Boat operators shall work a maximum of 12 hour shifts. Fishing activity for this fishery occurs mainly during the daylight hours, however some fishing also occurs at night. Hence, two observer-boat operator teams may be needed on some occasions to allow for monitoring during two shifts. If in-field technical assistance is needed to resolve equipment issues, boat operators may also provide transport for additional technical staff if available.

2.4 Monitor the SEAK Gillnet Fishery

The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting fishery dependent data in accordance with the project sample design. The program estimates that up to four observer-boat teams would be deployed each week and collect up to 150 observer days of sample data from a possible 70 vessels over the course of 16-weeks during the season.

2.6 Program Staff Support - Project Management

The Contractor shall assign a Project Manager to be the focal point for communications between the FMA, EM provider, and fishery observers. The project manager shall provide regular updates to the FMA. The Contractor shall ensure observers are deployed and resolve any observer related issues. FMA will supply a list of selected permit holders and contact information to the Contractor. Project management will include all field logistics oversight and regular check-ins with FMA staff to discuss project progress, as well as any other topics as needed throughout the project. The Contractor is responsible for any necessary program management and staffing to ensure the deliverables are met.

3.0 PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This contract includes a Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The PRS plays an integral role in the administration of the contract. In addition to any applicable inspection clauses or other related terms and conditions contained in the contract, the PRS shall serve as a primary tool for inspection and acceptance of services as facilitated by the ContractingOfficer’s Representative (COR). Evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance shall be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the PRS, and will be conducted by the COR. The PRS constitutes a material aspect of the contract and will not be changed or otherwise modified without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

Service Output Performance Standard Method of Surveillance

Frequency Negative/ Positive Incentive

1. Fisher liaison 100% of selected fishers are professionally contacted and proper information, equipment, and instructions are distributed as assigned.

FMA will track all randomly selected permit holders and the outcome of EM system installs, reaching out to permit holders if necessary

Monthly Withholding 10% of monthly invoice.

2. Fishery observer deployment

Provider will attempt 95% deployment of fishery observers on selected vessels each day to the extent defined in the requirements. All non-compliance vessels will need to be reported.

FMA will compare the number and dates of selected fishing trips with the number and dates of fishing trips covered by fishery observers.

Weekly report

Non-payment for services that do not comply.

3. Fishery observer performance

95% of expected data entry fields will be complete, accurate and clearly written.

FMA will examine observer data, assess completeness and perform quality checks.

Monthly report

Withholding 10% of monthly invoice.

4. Deadlines are met with agreed upon high quality products

Submission of detailed reports and/or meetings including field work progress, and data

FMA will coordinate timelines and document submission dates.

Biweekly report

Non-payment for services that do not comply.

4.0 CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PRIVACY

This contract may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information. Service contractors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

5.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

The Government will provide necessary sample protocols to the Contractor for work required under this contract. The Contractor shall use Government furnished facilities, property, equipment and supplies on-site at NOAA’s offices to upload data and datasheets when such spaces are available. The contractor shall be issued government safety and sampling equipment, and shall be responsible for returning all Government furnished property, and equipment in good working condition, subject to normal wear and tear. Any property that is damaged, destroyed or stolen due to Contractor/Observer negligence or fraud will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

The replaced gear and equipment shall be equivalent to the gear and equipment the Government provided the Observer.

6.0 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

All deliverables are the property of the U.S. Government. All source code, documents, analyses, files (digital or other), reports, notes and photos are to be used only by Contractor personnel assigned to this Task Order. Documents, files and other data are to be stored exclusively on Government approved equipment and at no point should be saved or archived on personal drives or devices. Copies are not to be disseminated to anyone outside of the NMFS or to any other contractor personnel without explicit release from the NMFS Project Leader.

7.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Work will be conducted primarily in the field, which includes the following Alaskan ports:

Haines, Juneau, Petersburg, or Wrangell. Data uploads may be conducted on-site at NMFS facilities. In cases of shutdown or furlough (or in other instances which cause the Government facility to be closed), contact the COR for guidance. Work may be performed at other than the government facility on a limited basis and in coordination with the COR and Project Lead.

8.0 TRAVEL AND TRAINING

Contractors will be required to travel to Seattle, WA for the required 3-5 day safety training.

They will also be required to attend an additional 3-5 day observer training that will run either before or after the safety training. Once the training is completed, the travel costs for the observers to/back the field (Seattle to port in Alaska) will be reimbursed at cost by the government.

Contractor shall adhere to all NOAA/NMFS Mandates and Policies for contractors and affiliates.

● Complete all required contractor/affiliate training in a timely manner and follow all DOC, NOAA, NMFS and AFSC safety protocols.

● Maintain an awareness of safety at all times and contribute to the maintenance of a safe working environment.

● Maintain the protection of Sensitive Personally Identifiable Information and Business Identifiable Information, both physical and electronic.

The COR may authorize additional training that is necessary for the contract and not commercially available. Should additional training be necessary, the changes to the scope will be negotiated bilaterally through contract modification. Training is generally held in Seattle, WA or Anchorage, AK.

9.0 TABLES AND FIGURES

Figure 1. Average 5-year drift gillnet permit holder activity (± 1 standard deviation in grey) occurring in ADFG managed inland waters by week in 2024.

O>

400 -

<( 300 -.._

LO

Cl) -C

2-_ 200 -·u t m a.. -Q) _!= 100 -

C) o- Statistical weeks 24-39

Figure 2. Gillnet effort among open ADFG districts and THAs occurring in inland waters of Southeast Alaska.

0 25 50 NM

.r'

Gillnet Effort (24-hr Days) D 30 -300

D 200- 600

D 600- 900

- 900 - 1200

- 1200 -1500

- 1500 -1665

Figure 3. Examples of drift gillnet vessel configurations from Southeast Alaska