CEFAS25-81 RFQ for a geophysical and bathymetric survey at Sizewell C

The Sizewell BEEMS (British EDF Estuarine and Marine Studies) programme is funded by Sizewell C Limited (SZC). Through this programme, Cefas provide authoritative scientific information on the marine and transitional waters in the vicinity of the consented SZC new build nuclear power station and require a competent supplier to deliver the element described below.

The Ross Worm Sabellaria spinulosa is a sedentary, epifaunal polychaete worm which builds tubes by consolidating particles of sediment (Limpenny et al, 2010). S. spinulosa is abundant in UK waters, largely existing in solitary form or within small, low-lying aggregations (Hayward and Ryland, 1990).

However, under the right environmental conditions they also can establish dense colonies and form biogenic reefs. These biogenic reefs are protected as an Annex I habitat under the EU Habitats Directive (EEC, 1992), and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated for their protection.

With the aim of improving our understanding of the extent, distribution, and nature of S. spinulosa biogenic reef (i.e. reefiness) across the area of interest, Cefas has commissioned this Contract to deliver a geophysical and bathymetric survey of this area with co-located ground-truthing using an ARIS acoustic imaging system. We have proposed two options as to levels of provision.

The primary acquisition will be for a full multispectral Multi Beam Echo Sounder (MBES) bathymetry survey with con-current Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and ARIS ground-truthing. The key element of the requirement is the use of multispectral MBES system. The Supplier will provide a hydrographic survey vessel with A-Frame and winch (SWL 150Kg min) and hydrographic survey services