UK Bycatch Monitoring Programme - Tender for Long-Term Contract

Defra is seeking a supplier or consortium to deliver a new long-term UK Bycatch Monitoring Programme starting June 2027. The programme will monitor and assess bycatch of sensitive marine species—including cetaceans, seabirds, seals, and elasmobranchs—in UK fisheries, primarily in England and Scotland. The successful supplier will expand monitoring coverage, integrate observer and electronic monitoring approaches, and enhance data collection and analysis to improve understanding of bycatch patterns across fisheries, gear types, locations, and seasons. Key deliverables include annual bycatch estimates and trends, technical reports, and evidence to support UK and international reporting obligations (UK Marine Strategy, OSPAR, ASCOBANS, ICES, and US Marine Mammal Protection Act). The contract runs for an initial two years with options to extend for up to two additional 12-month periods (maximum eight years total). Estimated contract value is £380,000-£430,000, funded by Defra and the Scottish Government. Defra encourages a multi-disciplinary consortium approach. The contractor must provide dedicated programme management, maintain geo-referenced monitoring data, produce annual reports, and support government communications and parliamentary inquiries.