Description
The University of Washington is soliciting proposals from qualified firms capable of providing Gulf of Alaska Survey Charter services. The project involves conducting a marine mammal survey to assess the distribution and density of cetaceans, determine ecotype identity of killer whales, and collect biological data. The survey will take place in the Gulf of Alaska and will require a commercial vessel with an experienced crew. The vessel must meet specific requirements, including visual survey capabilities, small vessel operations, moorings operations, and acoustic monitoring. The project is expected to last 37 days, with a potential extension of up to 17 additional days.
• The survey will be conducted in the Gulf of Alaska, with the vessel starting and ending in Kodiak, Alaska.
• The vessel must be able to maintain a comfortable cruising speed of roughly 10 kts for visual survey transects.
• The vessel must have a safe, accessible outside area with an unobstructed view for observational work.
• The vessel must be able to load and off-load a 23-foot rigid-hulled inflatable boat with outboard motor.
• The vessel must have a knuckle crane extendable to 20' past the side of the vessel and capable of lifting up to 2 tons.