Web Watch, Shark Diver, 16 May 2010
This year NMFS will be undertaking efforts to remove predatory Galapagos sharks at Hawaiian monk seal pupping sites at French Frigate Shoals. Assistants will capture sharks using a variety of techniques, mitigate monk seal mortality, collect biological samples and produce written documents in support of monk seal research efforts.
The contractor shall:
- Participate in planning shark fishing activities at French Frigate Shoals.
- Undergo training to become certified in NOAA Small Boat operations.
- Participate in monk seal field camp activities at French Frigate Shoals for all or part of the period between June 10 and Aug 18. Duties include assist in field camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp along with the return, repair, and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp
- Monitor and document Galapagos shark activity near monk seal pupping sites
- Be responsible for targeted fishing and lethal removal of up to 20 Galapagos sharks
- Ensure removal activities comply with Native Hawaiian cultural guidelines as dictated by a Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner
- Independently conduct small boat operations in a shallow dynamic reef environment
- Be responsible for ensuring all fishing and boating activities are conducted safely and follow established standard operating procedures
- Be required to camp periodically on small remote islets
- Accomplish duties while striving to minimize the impact of presence and activities on wildlife including seals, turtles, birds, as well as non-target sharks and fish
- Assist the Hawaiian monk seal team with research efforts if required
- Will adhere to all rules, regulations and permit requirements applicable to this project in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
- Document fishing activities and complete reports summarizing those activities
Place of Performance: The Contractor will work remotely at French Frigate Shoals, on
the NOAA Research Vessel Oscar Elton Sette and at NMFS Facilities in Honolulu.
Deployment in the NWHI will be from approximately 6/10/2010 – 8/23/2010
Period of Performance: 5/24/2010 – 8/30/2010