LOG469r-bluefin_study_SOW_07-2015.docx

Bluefin Tuna Stock Structure and Age and Growth Studies in the North Pacific

NOAA/NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

SOUTHWEST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER - Fisheries Resources Division

Performance Work Statement

suzanne.kohin@noaa.gov

Performance Period: September 15, 2015 through December 15, 2016

I. Objectives

The principal goal of this project is to coordinate otolith and DNA sampling for bluefin tuna stock structure and age and growth studies with scientists and industry members in the eastern and western North Pacific during the 2016 season.

II. Background

Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) is widely distributed throughout the North Pacific and western South Pacific with two well-defined spawning regions in the western Pacific: Sea of Japan and the northwest area of the Philippine Sea (Southeast of Japan). Within the first two years of life, an unknown proportion of the population migrates to the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) to forage in the California Current before returning to the western Pacific spawning grounds between the ages of 3 and 7. When in the California Current they are targeted by both commercial and recreational fishers. While the general pattern of movements has been documented, the dynamics and timing of this migration are poorly understood and questions remain about how many fish migrate to the EPO and from which spawning ground they originate. There is also considerable uncertainty about the size of the population. The lack of a more quantitative understanding of population dynamics in the Pacific complicates stock assessments and efforts to interpret the abundance indices from the EPO fisheries in relation to the abundance of the entire stock. Better quantitative information on the sources and rates of migration into the EPO will consequently improve stock assessments.

One way to characterize the migrations of fish is to look at natural markers including tissue isotopes and otolith microchemistry. The chemical signature in an otolith is linked to the regional water mass allowing researchers to recreate the paths when differences in water chemistry exist between areas. Preliminary analysis conducted at the SWFSC reveals that there is a distinct chemical signature associated with fish foraging in the EPO. Using this signature and conducting serial laser ablation on otoliths collected from a range of size classes of bluefin from around the Pacific will enable estimation of the timing of this migration, the proportion of fish that undertake the migration, and investigate what triggers their return to the WPO. The dynamics of recruitment into eastern Pacific fishing grounds from the WPO is considered a high priority for bluefin tuna stock assessments.

A second way to characterize migrations and stock structure is using DNA analysis. Fin clips are needed from juvenile bluefin caught on the spawning grounds as well as from mature fish taken in the longline fisheries in the western North Pacific. Up to 250 fin clips may be needed over the course of the season.

In addition to uncertainty regarding stock structure, the bluefin assessment scientists have identified age and growth of bluefin as a high priority research need. Prior studies demonstrate that growth may vary between sexes and across regions. Questions regarding the age and growth of bluefin are closely linked to the stock structure and migration questions highlighted above; it is critical to be able to estimate accurately the age of bluefin entering the California Current fisheries in order to understand the timing of migrations and stock dynamics. Otoliths collected will be used to support both the microchemistry and age and growth studies. Results of the aging work will be validated with laboratory derived growth estimates calculated from captive bluefin tuna.

The Highly Migratory Species research group at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) is responsible for research and stock assessment work supporting the sustainable management of Pacific bluefin tuna as mandated under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

III. Description of Work and Services

The contract goal is to aid SWFSC in the collection of biological samples of bluefin around the Pacific basin during the 2016 season. To facilitate collections around the Pacific, the contractor must utilize connections with bluefin tuna fisheries and rearing operations in both the eastern and western Pacific and have access to bluefin for sample collection from these facilities. The contractor must also collaborate with aquaria, scientific organizations, or fishing industry partners with access to bluefin tuna in the U.S., the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Japan and have access to bluefin for samples from these facilities.

Task 1. The project contractor will work with guidance from SWFSC personnel to collect biological samples from bluefin tuna over a range of age classes from the eastern and western Pacific during the 2016 season, with particular emphasis on the spawning areas near Japan. Between 15 and 20 otolith samples over a range of age classes are needed from different regions. Up to 250 fin clips are needed for the DNA studies.

Task 2. The contractor will meet (or correspond by phone) with the NMFS project officer on a quarterly basis to discuss progress.

Task 3. The contractor will provide the metadata for all samples collected including date and location of sample collection, the size of the fish and the local source.

Task 4. The contractor will coordinate travel to collection sites and shipping of samples and data as needed.

Task 5. The contractor will compile growth estimates from studies conducted in aquaria, from fishery sampling, and from bluefin rearing facilities in order to help validate growth models.

Task 6. The contractor will provide a liaison for all collaborating partners who will take on the administrative tasks associated with record keeping, including preparing travel and shipping requests as needed and archiving, analyzing and summarizing data for reports.

IV. Deliverables

All deliverables will be submitted to the Government Project Officer. The contract period will be September 15, 2015 through December 15, 2016. Invoices may be submitted intermittently based on partial completion of the work.

1. Biological samples (otoliths and fin clips) from bluefin tuna for the 2016 season.

2. Quarterly, the contractor will prepare a summary of the efforts to date and discuss progress and plans with the Government Project Officer and Principal Investigators.

3. The contractor shall participate in a final project meeting to provide a final summary report, go over project results and help develop a plan to fill any data gaps.

All data generated will be property of the U.S. Government. The C&A requirements of clause 73 do not apply and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

V. Contractor Requirements

The contractor must have strong connections with bluefin tuna fisheries and rearing operations in both the eastern and western Pacific and have access to bluefin for sample collection from these facilities. The contractor must also have strong ties with aquaria maintaining bluefin tuna in the U.S., the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Japan and have access to bluefin for samples from these facilities.

VI. Non-Personal Service Contract Statement

Contractor employees performing services under this order will be controlled, directed and supervised at all times by management personnel of the contractor. Contractor employees will perform independent of and without the supervision of any Government official. Actions of contractor employees may not be interpreted or implemented in any manner that results in any contractor employee creating or modifying Federal policy, obligating the appropriated funds of the U.S. Government, overseeing the work of Federal employees, providing direct personal services to any Federal employee or otherwise violating the prohibitions set forth in Parts 7.5 and 37.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. The Government will perform the inspection and acceptance of the completed work.

VI. Principal Contacts

Dr. Suzanne Kohin, NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Fisheries Resources Division.