Objectives

The primary objective of the tender is to appoint an independent service provider (SP) to conduct an initial phased baseline benthic survey and specialist monitoring for the Sea-based Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ) within Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape. The monitoring aims to ensure compliance with the Operational Phase Marine Ecology Monitoring Plan, Environmental Management Programme (EMP), and environmental authorizations, over a contract period of 36 months. Specific goals include establishing baseline environmental conditions, monitoring ongoing impacts, and informing management decisions to mitigate environmental risks associated with aquaculture activities.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Conducting baseline benthic and water column surveys at two precincts: Algoa 1 and Algoa 6.
• Implementing routine environmental monitoring at Algoa 6, focusing on seabed and water quality parameters.
• Monitoring in phases, including pre-operational baseline assessments and ongoing impact assessments aligned with the Monitoring Plan.
• Assessing risks such as seabed modification, water quality changes, trace metal accumulation, and biological impacts.
• Developing dispersion models, geophysical surveys, and impact thresholds to inform management.
• Engaging with stakeholders through management committees and forums for environmental oversight.

Technical Requirements

The technical scope includes:

• Performing benthic habitat mapping, including sediment geochemistry (sulfides, redox potential, TOC, TON, metals), macrofaunal diversity, and sediment geotechnical properties.
• Measuring water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, temperature, and salinity via transect profiling and moored sensors.
• Establishing control and impact sampling stations with appropriate randomization and stratification.
• Using validated methods like BACI (Before/After/Control/Impact) principles for impact detection.
• Developing and applying thresholds for sediment quality, benthic community health, and metal concentrations to identify adverse effects.
• Providing detailed reports, including baseline conditions, impact assessments, and management recommendations.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, guidelines, and best practices for marine environmental monitoring.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Experience in marine environmental monitoring, particularly in aquaculture contexts, with a proven track record of multi-stakeholder projects.
• Capability to conduct benthic habitat assessments, sediment geochemistry, and macrofaunal surveys, supported by qualified personnel with relevant expertise.
• Knowledge of BACI design, impact threshold application, and statistical analysis of ecological data.
• Qualified personnel including a MSc or higher in Marine Natural Sciences or equivalent, with at least three years of relevant experience.
• Availability of a certified scientific dive team (minimum five members, including supervisor and medical officer) for underwater surveys and inspections.
• Ability to develop dispersion models, geophysical surveys, and impact prediction tools.
• Capacity to prepare comprehensive reports, manage stakeholder engagement, and ensure compliance with environmental legislation and standards.