DAERA Marine and Fisheries - Letting of Benthic Infaunal Analysis contract

Descriptions

The Marine Monitoring and Assessment team (MMAT) within the Marine and Fisheries Division of DAERA has responsibility for protection of the marine environment. The analysis of benthic infaunal samples is a statutory requirement under The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 as one of the primary biological quality elements used to classify the ecological quality status of a given waterbody. Additionally benthic infaunal analysis may be required under related statutory instruments and agreements including, amongst others, the Marine Strategy Framework, The Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and Licensing deposits in the sea under Part 4 of The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. DAERA – MMAT requires a supplier to provide analysis of benthic infaunal samples. Data generated from the analysis of these samples on behalf of the Marine Monitoring and Assessment team will support delivery of the relevant statutory monitoring and classification requirements and is submitted to the UK National database. The contract is for an initial period of 3 years from date of award, (envisaged to be 1 April 2025) to 31 March 2028. There are two (2) options to extend for a period of up to twelve (12) months each. Please refer to Tender Documents for full details.