Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bd3-4204-7263-8e15-f8ae5e4be507/cefas26-10-offshore-and-onshore-observer-programme awarded GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # CEFAS26-10 Offshore and Onshore Observer Programme [Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science](https://tendernation.io/buyers/centre-for-environment-fisheries-and-aquaculture-science) Incumbent usually keeps it Estimated value £750,000 Published 15 May 2026 Deadline Closed 27 Feb 2026 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender The Offshore Observer Programme is a cornerstone of the UK’s approach to sustainable fisheries management. It provides independent, high-quality data that underpins stock assessments, advice, and compliance with national and international obligations, including the Fisheries Act 2020. By placing trained observers on commercial fishing vessels, the programme ensures accurate information on catch composition, discards, and biological characteristics is collected during normal fishing operations. To meet the requirements of the Fisheries Act 2020, Cefas contributes to the data collection and collation requirements laid out in the UK Data Collection Framework (DCF). The UK DCF ensures consistent and continuous fisheries data collection across each UK administration, enabling them to establish multiannual programmes for the collection and management of these data. In England, Cefas is responsible, for the most part, for the collection of fisheries-dependent data, which includes deploying Offshore Observers on commercial fishing vessels to sample catches of shellfish, demersal and pelagic fish stocks, and associated bycatch. Access to vessels is negotiated on a voluntary basis, as there is no mandatory requirement for vessels to carry observers. Maintaining strong industry relationships and professional conduct is therefore essential to secure ongoing cooperation. Each year, Cefas determines the number of sampling trips required to meet DCF obligations and allocates resources accordingly. These targets are achieved through a combination of Cefas-employed observers and external observers supplied under this Contract. Observers are responsible for arranging sea trips on commercial fishing vessels, collecting trip-level information, catch composition, and biological data (including size, otoliths/scales, sex, and maturity). Upon return, all data must be entered into the Cefas Observer Database. All in accordance with established protocols and timelines. The aim of the Cefas Observer Programme is to: 3.1. Accurately characterise the catches and fishing activities of the English fleet by collecting detailed data on species composition, quantity and biological parameters (size, sex, maturity and otoliths/scales) from catch and bycatch in a fishery (primarily demersal). 3.2. Routinely provide validated datasets that are integral to international stock assessments and national/international fisheries and marine management advice. 3.3. Provide the opportunity to collaborate and co-develop the programme and adopt new technologies that demonstrably improves efficiency and data quality without compromising safety or neutrality. Observers must always maintain professional behaviour. This protects Cefas’ reputation and ensures continued access to vessels for sampling. The Supplier must provide observers who are self-motivated, capable of working independently, and highly disciplined, with a proven track record of collecting scientific data aboard commercial fishing vessels. Read full description ## CPV classification Offshore services Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-060e51-2026-05-15T15:09:55+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-060e51-2026-05-15T15:09:55+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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