Attachment 1 Statement of Work.pdf

v1.2_FEBRUARY2021

PR NO. 1300929427

PID NO: N66604-21-SIMACQ-NPT-70-0148

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) BMMRO AUTEC Services

PR No. 1300929427

1.0 Background

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) Program requires contractor services to conduct field studies and analyze data collected at Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC). A minimum of thirty (30) days of fieldwork per year to collect photo-identification data for Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris (Md)) at the AUTEC Weapons Ranges in collaboration with M3R passive acoustic monitoring is required to obtain data allowing long-term monitoring of population structure. The objective is to estimate population parameters to inform passive acoustic density models, Population Consequences of Disturbance (PCoD) models, and mark-recapture abundance models to monitor trends. These parameters include abundance, age structure, calf and non-calf survival, recruitment, emigration, and group size.

These demographics will be compared between AUTEC and Abaco (outside Andros-AUTEC OpArea). Fieldwork will be focused on Md, but this work will also provide an opportunity to monitor other species known to occur on AUTEC ranges. These include Ziphius cavirostris (Zc), sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales, melon-headed whales, and rough-toothed dolphins, all of which regularly use the AUTEC ranges and for which we have documented multi-year re-sightings.

1.1 The sponsor is Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

1.2 The funding is Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN).

2.0 Scope

The contractor shall conduct field studies and analyze data collected at AUTEC. A minimum of thirty (30) non-consecutive days of fieldwork to collect photo-identification data for Blainville’s beaked whales (M d) at the AUTEC Weapons Ranges in collaboration with M3R passive acoustic monitoring is required to obtain data allowing long-term monitoring of population structure. The contractor shall monitor other species known to occur on AUTEC ranges to include Zc, sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales, melon-headed whales, and rough-toothed dolphins.

3.0 Applicable Documents

Not Applicable.

4.0 Technical Requirements

v1.2_FEBRUARY2021

PR NO. 1300929427

PID NO: N66604-21-SIMACQ-NPT-70-0148

4.1 Photo-identification Data Collection

Photo-identification data shall be collected for Blainville’s beaked whales and other marine mammal species including sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales, melon-headed whales, and rough-toothed dolphins, all of which regularly use the AUTEC ranges and for which M3R have documented multi-year re-sightings during thirty (30) field days to contribute to capture-recapture studies (e.g., stage-specific survival rates, inter-calf interval, and estimates of population size). Upon Government notification, the contractor shall:

4.1.1 Catalogue Blainville’s beaked whales and other species observed on the AUTEC ranges to build individual life histories (CDRL A001).

4.1.2 Provide group size data for Blainville’s beaked whales and other species to inform passive acoustics density estimates (CDRL A001).

4.1.3 Provide annual age/state-class counts to characterize population age- and stage structure of Blainville’s beaked whales at AUTEC (CDRL A001).

4.2 Aerial Photogrammetry Data Collection

Upon Government notification, the contractor shall collect and document pregnancies for Blainville’s beaked whales (Md) using aerial photogrammetry at AUTEC during thirty (30) field days to contribute to studies of reproductive success and individual health (e.g., body condition and growth rates) (CDRL A001).

4.3 Remote Biopsy Samples Collection

Upon Government notification, the contractor shall collect remote biopsy samples from Blainville’s beaked whales (Md) at AUTEC during 30 field days and provide results from the analysis of the biopsy samples (CDRL A001).

4.4 Attend NAVSEA Progress Meeting

Upon Government notification, the contractor shall attend NAVSEA Progress Meeting and submit a trip report documenting the attendance at the NAVSEA meeting (CDRL A002).