1121S survey epibenthic imagery analysis

JNCC and Marine Scotland Science undertook an MPA monitoring survey of Faroe-Shetland Sponge Belt MPA (FSSB hereafter) between 20 August 2021 - 6 September (cruise code 1121S) on MRV Scotia.

FSSB is in offshore waters on the Scottish side of the Faroe-Shetland Channel, a large rift basin that separates the Scottish and Faroese continental shelves.

Five different water masses meet in the Faroe-Shetland Channel, which interact with each other and the continental slope to generate ideal conditions for the boreal 'ostur' type of deep-sea sponge aggregations (DSSA) to settle.

Iceberg ploughmarks on the upper continental slope (reaching a depth of 450 - 500 m, Masson 2001) may also provide ridges of coarse sediment where sponges can aggregate.

Offshore subtidal sands and gravels (OSSG) are also present, supporting a diversity of polychaete worms and a slow-growing bivalve mollusc known as ocean quahog (Arctica islandica (Linnaeus, 1767)).

JNCC wishes to commission a contract to undertake the analysis of seabed imagery (still images and video) collected on the 1121S survey.

Video from 187 transects and still images from 180 or 182 transects will be analysed; tenderers should provide quotes for two analysis options as outlined below and in Table 1 of the Annex A: 1.

All video and 'Option 1' still images 2.

All video and 'Option 2' still images Next Steps If interested in this project potential bidders are invited to download the following documents and complete the acceptance form of our terms and conditions attached to the invitation to tender letter (ITT). • Invitation to Tender letter (ITT) - Proforma Form to be completed • Instructions for Tenderers (submission of bids) PS4a • Annex A • JNCC General terms and conditions • JNCC Quality Assurance Policy Timetable • Date for return of tender bids: Tuesday 16 November 2021 @ 0900 hours • Proposed start date: w/e 19 November 2021 • Proposed end date: 18 March 2022