Benthic Invertebrate and Sediment Analysis

1.0 TITLE: Benthic Invertebrate and Sediment Analysis 2.0 BACKGROUND Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) collects benthic invertebrate and sediment samples in coastal and offshore regions of the Canadian Arctic Ocean to support a variety of projects. Taxonomic analyses of benthic invertebrates and analyses of sedimentary properties provide important data for understanding the marine ecosystem including food sources and habitat for marine mammals, fishes, and larger invertebrates. These benthic and sedimentary datasets and their associated projects are a part of DFO’s commitment to making significant new investments in ocean science and marine conservation targets by supporting key research on marine species and their habitats, as well as threats to our oceans and freshwater environments. 3.0 OBJECTIVE OF THE REQUIREMENT The objective of this work is to obtain accurate and precise taxonomic identification of marine benthic invertebrates from a variety of sample types. Identification to the lowest taxonomic level (ideally species) is required to obtain information on species abundance and community composition. Work may include developing a specimen reference collection. The contract also may include analysis of sediment associated with sites where benthic invertebrates were collected. Fundamental to the success of this work is to ensure accuracy and continuity of identifications which will be achieved by employing internationally recognized experts in taxonomy and ensuring that identifications are conducted by those same experts during each year of collection. 4.0 SCOPE OF THE WORK AND REQUIREMENTS 4.1 Scope of Work On an as and when requested basis, the Contractor will perform taxonomic enumeration and identification of benthic invertebrate samples (infauna). Call-ups may include the following: sorting, identification to species level (where possible), provide estimates of abundance, biomass estimates, creation of reference collections, and preservation of invertebrate samples in ethanol. Benthic invertebrate samples will typically range in size from 250ml to 3L of material. Call ups may also include analyses of sediment for grain size, benthic pigments, and organic matter. See RFSO document for full Statement of Work and details. The intent of this RFSO process is to award 1 Standing Offer for a duration of 4 years.