27 May 2021
The University of Exeter and Cefas, with funding in 2021 & 2022 from the EU funded INTERREG FISH-INTEL grant, are continuing their efforts to further knowledge on the spatial ecology and seasonal timings of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; ABFT) in the waters of the Channel / Manche.
After successes with pop-up transmitting data tags in previous seasons, we will be deploying acoustic tags and receiver stations in summer 2021. These acoustic tags have a lifespan of up to 10 years and these fish will be “heard” by passive listening stations distributed throughout the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.
To achieve our aims, we are now seeking formal Tenders to supply a vessel(s) from which to catch and tag ABFT in 2021. Interested parties should follow the instructions detailed in the attached document and submit their responses by 2359 BST on the 10th of June.
All queries should be sent to bluefin@exeter.ac.uk. Please be aware that Thunnus UK will make clarification questions and answers available to all bidders.
The Thunnus UK Team