Description
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is seeking commercial long‑line fishing vessels to provide charter services, crew, and equipment for the 2026 South Atlantic Deepwater Longline Survey (SADLS). The contract will be awarded on a per‑site basis, with each “site” representing a sampling station where standardized gear is deployed, catch is collected, and a state‑assigned observer is supported. Four geographic lots are available, each covering specific coastal regions from North Carolina to the Florida Keys, and each lot specifies a set number of sites (60 for Lot 1; 48 for Lots 2‑4). Bidders must submit a unit price per site; the lowest responsible bid will be awarded. The work period runs from early July through mid‑October 2026, after which final invoices are due within 45 days. The contractor must hold all required federal, Coast Guard, and state permits, maintain appropriate insurance, and ensure data and catch ownership transfers to the State.
• Provide vessel, crew, and gear to deploy and recover standardized bottom‑longline sets at designated sites.
• Support one on‑board observer per trip and handle catch storage, ice, and delivery per LOA guidelines.
• Meet geographic‑lot residency requirements, maintain all permits, and submit documentation of catch donation and compliance.