Summary
The NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) seek qualified applicants to record and share acoustic data collected using standardized protocols established within this RFP during the 2026/2027 Atlantic mackerel fishing season.
Background
The Atlantic Mackerel Research Initiative is a two-year cooperative effort between scientists, managers, and the fishing industry to address uncertainties in population dynamics and biomass estimates of Atlantic mackerel which are managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The goal is to advance understanding of the stock through collaborative research, with focus on five research elements: 1) acoustic detection, 2) spawning seasonality, 3) egg surveys, 4) movement and mixing, and 5) ecosystem drivers.
Management of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is challenged by the species’ migratory nature and spatiotemporal variability. Traditional fisheries-independent surveys do not consistently sample mackerel aggregations due to the mismatch between survey timing/footprint and stock distribution, seasonal migrations, and catchability of the survey gear. This project works towards finding a cost-effective solution: harnessing the existing infrastructure and expertise of the commercial fishing fleet to collect continuous, high-quality acoustic data during routine fishing operations. By calibrating commercial acoustic systems, using standardized data collection protocols, establishing robust data pipelines, and utilizing advanced processing software, this initiative aims to provide scientific-quality acoustic data and local mackerel biomass estimates.
Goal
Establish and execute a comprehensive framework for the acquisition and evaluation of Atlantic mackerel acoustic data gathered from routine commercial fishing activities to reliably detect and estimate mackerel biomass using active acoustics.
To Apply
- To apply, applicants must complete a Google Application Form. All questions must be answered thoroughly. Failure to provide a response to any of the questions in the Google Application Form will result in the applicant being disqualified.
- The Google Application Form.
- Questions regarding the RFP or the Google Application Form should be submitted via phone or email to: Jason Morson, Northeast Fisheries Science Center at jason.morson@noaa.gov or 267.809.6527.
- Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Applications
- The deadline for application submission is midnight EST, September 18, 2026.
- ASMFC reserves the right to consult with and to consider information from its own sources, including information from state and federal agencies regarding the proposer’s prior performance or the status of outstanding investigations or warrants involving the proposer.
- Late proposals
- Any application, modification, or revision received after midnight EST on September 18, 2026 is “late” and may not be given full consideration.
- ASMFC is not liable for any costs incurred by vendors/contractors in developing or submitting their response to this RFP.