Planned procurement · Notice 092489-2026
Bycatch Monitoring Programme (BMP) - 26-35
- Value
- Value not stated
- Stage
- Early notice
- Where
- UK-wide
- Lots
- 1
- Suitable for SMEs
- Yes, says the buyer
- Contract
- 1 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2035
In plain English
Defra is seeking Expressions of Interest for a long-term UK Bycatch Monitoring Programme, monitoring sensitive marine species (cetaceans, seabirds, seals, elasmobranchs) caught incidentally in UK fisheries, mainly across England and Scotland. The contract would run from 2027 to 2035 at the latest, starting with a two-year term extendable up to eight years, valued at around £380,000-£430,000.
Good fit for: Marine science or environmental monitoring organisations with fisheries bycatch expertise, likely working as a consortium.
- Likely needs multi-disciplinary consortium
The Authority strongly encourages a consortium approach, recognising the multi-disciplinary nature of the work
- Must support international reporting obligations (OSPAR, ASCOBANS, ICES, US MMPA)
support reporting requirements including UK Marine Strategy assessments, OSPAR, ASCOBANS, ICES and US Marine Mammal Protection Act requirements
- Must manage subcontractors and consortium members
manage any consortium members or subcontractors, and ensure delivery of the programme's aims, objectives and reporting requirements
Written with AI from the official notice. Check the notice before relying on it.
What the buyer says
Defra intends to run an open tender to procure a new long-term UK Bycatch Monitoring Programme and is seeking Expressions of Interest from suppliers capable of delivering the requirements. The programme will monitor and assess the bycatch of sensitive marine species in UK fisheries, including (but not limited to) cetaceans, seabirds, seals, and elasmobranchs. The requirement will primarily cover England and Scotland, with potential involvement from other Devolved Administrations. The successful supplier will build on the existing programme by increasing monitoring coverage where required, enhancing data collection and analysis, integrating monitoring approaches such as observer monitoring and electronic monitoring, and improving understanding of bycatch patterns across fisheries, gear types, locations and seasons. Key outputs will include bycatch monitoring data, annual bycatch estimates and trends, technical reporting, and evidence to support national and international reporting obligations. We envisage that, if a new supplier is appointed, the new contract will start on the 01 June 27 with a one (1) month handover period, from 01 June to 30 June, with full responsibility being transferred to the successful contractor on 01 July 2027. Where applicable, these handover periods are to allow a new Contractor time to get ready to take over the full operation of the contract requirement. The contract will be let for an initial two-year term, with options to extend for two x 3 -12-month periods thereafter. (a total maximum of eight year’s). We estimate the contract value to be between the range of £380,000 - £430,000 funded by Defra and the Scottish Government. The contractor will be required to provide bycatch records and annual estimates of bycatch rates for sensitive mar…
Procedure: not stated. Published 30 Sep 2026.
Want tenders like this, matched to your firm?
Winnable emails the few new tenders that fit you each weekday, with the catch spelled out. £29/month after a 14-day free trial (card needed to start, nothing charged during it).