sow_lionfish_updated_JM.doc

Statement of Work:

Development of Lionfish Aggregating Devices for Control in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary I. Background Invasive lionfish are colonizing tropical and temperate western Atlantic marine habitats at alarming rates and are being shown to have deleterious effects on native marine life. Current removal strategies involve diver/snorkeler focused searches and removals of individual fish using hand nets or spears. Removals are being shown to have positive effects on the recovery of native prey fish populations. However, invasive lionfish are often broadly spread over available habitat. Time and logistic expense of searching and removing invasive lionfish in these areas can be significant. In the absence of other structure, invasive lionfish may be patchily distributed in high abundance in areas of high rugosity (complexity) and relief. These areas often consist of artificial structures in the absence of other nearby habitat. In order to maximize effectiveness and cost of removals, methods of aggregating invasive lionfish are needed. Development of Lionfish Aggregating Devices and Structures (LADs) may lead to higher catch per unit effort (CPUE) and a greater effect of removals. Additionally, effective aggregating structures may be modified into broadly deployable traps suitable for use in the larger scale commercial fishing industry.

II. Objective

In collaboration with NOAA, the contractor will assist with development of a lionfish aggregating device that is effective at aggregating lionfish in habitats in and in proximity to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA will review all project plans and work in conjunction with the awardee to develop and deploy the LADs.

III. Activities

Assist NOAA with the development of the experimental design and field operations to assess the effectiveness of shallow water Lionfish Aggregating Devices (LADs). Different LADs will be compared across habitat types to assess their attractiveness to lionfish and other species. The contractor will be responsible for the following:

1) Locate research sites including sandy bottom or sea grass (no relief), low relief, and high relief habitats in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and surrounding area.

2) Obtain all necessary permits to deploy temporary structures in the Florida Keys to test LADs.

3) Perform fish assessments at each site prior to the deployment of LADs. Assessments include fish abundance surveys to the species level and size approximations.

4) Deploy the four different LAD design types at each site.

5) Perform quarterly assessments including fish abundance surveys to the species level and size approximations at each site for 12 months.

6) Conduct removals of lionfish a set intervals from the LADs and natural reef structures to assess and compare CPUE.

7) We estimate that approximately 40 diving days will be required to complete this work.

IV. Qualifications The contractee and/or personnel should possess the following qualifications (at least some individuals):

1) Vessel(s) capable of safely transporting dive teams of up to eight individuals including dive gear and LADs to and from research sites.

2) Intimate knowledge of the physical (habitat type, currents, etc.) and biological (fish community assemblages, etc.) components of the marine habitats of the upper Florida Keys.

3) Experience with complex experimental designs and analyses.

4) Experts at fish identification and survey methodologies.

5) Ability to work underwater using SCUBA.

6) Experience with training of divers and the public on lionfish handling and collecting with nets and spears.

7) Experience handling and dissecting lionfish.

8) Ability to identify and sort fish species within the gut content of lionfish.

9) Knowledge of lionfish and native species behavior, biology, and ecology.

10) Prior experience developing lionfish trapping devices. Experience should include execution of formal research projects, grants, or contracts

V. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT

All work should be conducted in consultation with Dr. James Morris (NOAA CCFHR).

VI. Timeline (2014-2015)

Site selection

X

Native fish pre-assessment

Lionfish pre-assessment

X

Deployment

X

Quarterly assessments

Lionfish removal

X

VIII. Evaluation Criteria Interested parties shall submit the following information with their quote:

1. A description of proposed staff qualifications including relevant experience in collecting scientific data using SCUBA and deploying and removing artificial structure.

2. A description of your experience level performing fish assessments, your knowledge of the marine habitats of the Florida Keys, and experience with lionfish trapping, control, and management.