Ireland – Marine conservation strategy planning – Benthic Core Sampling in Bannow Bay SPA ITT24-034

The Marine Institute invites tenders to this request for tenders from economic operators for the provision of: Intertidal macro-invertebrate sampling programme in order to parameterize a model for shorebird site use in Bannow Bay SPA, Co. Waterford. A range of tasks are required: Design and plan two sedimentary surveys in intertidal areas of Bannow Bay, Co Waterford. Carry out stratified sampling of benthic habitats along intertidal gradients. Fix and preserve faunal samples according to standard methods. Identify taxa to the lowest taxonomic level. Emunerate and assign WoRMs AlphiaID. Measure biomass (WW, DW, AFDW) according to prescribed methodologies for each taxa identified. Analyse particle sizes of sediments according to standard protocols. Produce data sets and report in predefined formats. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded late September 2024 with a commencement date of 1st October 2024.