Bycatch Monitoring Programme (BMP) - 26-35

Defra intends to run an open tender to procure a new long-term UK Bycatch Monitoring Programme and is seeking Expressions of Interest from suppliers capable of delivering the requirements. The programme will monitor and assess the bycatch of sensitive marine species in UK fisheries, including (but not limited to) cetaceans, seabirds, seals, and elasmobranchs.

The requirement will primarily cover England and Scotland, with potential involvement from other Devolved Administrations. The successful supplier will build on the existing programme by increasing monitoring coverage where required, enhancing data collection and analysis, integrating monitoring approaches such as observer monitoring and electronic monitoring, and improving understanding of bycatch patterns across fisheries, gear types, locations and seasons.

Key outputs will include bycatch monitoring data, annual bycatch estimates and trends, technical reporting, and evidence to support national and international reporting obligations. We envisage that, if a new supplier is appointed, the new contract will start on the 01 June 27 with a one (1) month handover period, from 01 June to 30 June, with full responsibility being transferred to the successful contractor on 01 July 2027.

Where applicable, these handover periods are to allow a new Contractor time to get ready to take over the full operation of the contract requirement. The contract will be let for an initial two-year term, with options to extend for two x 3 -12-month periods thereafter.

(a total maximum of eight year’s). We estimate the contract value to be between the range of £380,000 - £430,000 funded by Defra and the Scottish Government.

The contractor will be required to provide bycatch records and annual estimates of bycatch rates for sensitive marine species, produce information on bycatch trends using historical and newly collected data, and support reporting requirements including UK Marine Strategy assessments, OSPAR, ASCOBANS, ICES and US Marine Mammal Protection Act requirements. The contractor will also be expected to maintain accurate geo-referenced and time-referenced data on monitoring effort and bycatch incidence, produce annual reports for Defra, the Scottish Government and the project steering group, and provide information to support Parliamentary Questions and Ministerial correspondence when required.

The Authority strongly encourages a consortium approach, recognising the multi-disciplinary nature of the work and the benefits of bringing together relevant expertise and organisations. The successful contractor will be expected to provide dedicated programme management, maintain effective communication with Defra and the Scottish Government, manage any consortium members or subcontractors, and ensure delivery of the programme’s aims, objectives and reporting requirements.