Macrofauna Analysis of 33 Sediment Samples from Falmouth Dredged Material Disposal Site

Cefas seeks a qualified laboratory to process and analyse 33 macrofaunal samples collected from the Falmouth dredged material disposal site in July 2026. The work involves extracting and identifying all organisms retained on a 1.0 mm mesh sieve following NMBAQC guidelines, with enumeration, identification and biomass measurement to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Samples were collected using a mini Hamon grab from 11 stations (3 replicates each) and are currently preserved in buffered formaldehyde at Cefas' Lowestoft facility. The successful supplier must: extract and identify all biota; record wet-weight biomass to four decimal places using annually serviced balances; prepare a reference collection with full documentation; submit quality-assured data matrices with current nomenclature checked against WoRMS; and highlight notable taxa including non-native species for submission to GBNNSIP. Three samples will undergo independent quality assurance audit by an NMBAQC scheme coordinator at no cost to the supplier. Deliverables include externally audited abundance and biomass matrices, a reference collection returned to Lowestoft, internal quality control logs, an audited QC report, and weekly project updates. Primary analysis must be completed by end November 2026, full QA by end December 2026, and the reference collection returned by end January 2027. Sample collection from Lowestoft storage facility is the supplier's responsibility.