Description
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a vendor to conduct a scientific dive survey and targeted removal of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea in a 27-acre pilot study area. The project aims to support Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) efforts by determining the extent of infestation, removing detected invasive plants, and evaluating effective survey and removal methodologies for future management applications. The vendor must have advanced scientific diving capabilities and specialized expertise in submerged aquatic plant taxonomy. Deliverables include a comprehensive survey of the test plot, selective removal of detected Halophila stipulacea, documentation of infestation extent and treatment activities, and a final report containing recommendations regarding future survey and removal techniques and methodologies.
• The project requires conducting underwater survey and removal operations simultaneously to maximize operational efficiency and maintain continuity and accuracy of spatial survey data.
• The vendor must be capable of conducting underwater transect surveys while simultaneously identifying and selectively removing target plants in real time.
• The project is intended to support EDRR efforts by determining the extent of infestation, removing detected invasive plants, and evaluating effective survey and removal methodologies for future management applications.
• The vendor must have experience in underwater navigation, transect-based survey methodologies, underwater data collection, and communication of survey information to surface support vessels during active operations.
• The vendor must demonstrate experience in marine invasive plant eradication, scientific diving, and selective underwater hand removal.