North Atlantic Right Whale Density Model Outputs and Scientific Support for Entanglement Risk Assessment

Open · Buyer: Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) · Closes: 2026-11-18 · Published: 2026-11-03

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has a requirement to provide scientific advice on the risks of North Atlantic right whale entanglements in non-tended fixed fishing gear to inform management decisions. The Contractor must provide customized North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) Density Surface Model (DSM) outputs, along with scientific consultation to support DFO’s entanglement risk assessment. This includes advice on model structure, assumptions, limitations, uncertainty, interpretation, and application; participation in assessment and technical discussions; and post-assessment support. The work will involve the following: 1. Tasks 1.1 Generate Customized Density Model Outputs The Contractor must generate customized density model outputs according to the Project Authority’s requirements. 1.2 Provide Scientific Consultation The Contractor must provide scientific consultation on model assumptions, limitations, uncertainty, interpretation, and application. 1.3 Participate in Technical Meetings and Assessment Activities The Contractor must participate in a kick-off meeting, approximately one technical meeting per month, additional discussions as re