Ross Sea Shelf survey 2026/27 and 2027/28
Tender Overview
About this tender
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking a research provider to conduct the annual Ross Sea Shelf Survey for both 2026/27 and 2027/28. The primary objective of this project is to conduct the Ross Sea shelf survey annually to continue monitoring trends in Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) recruitment in the southern Ross Sea. The objectives of the Ross Sea shelf survey are to: (i) continue monitoring trends in Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) recruitment in the southern Ross Sea (core strata A–C); (ii) continue monitoring trends in abundance of larger (large sub-adult and adult) toothfish and biological characteristics in two areas of importance to predators: McMurdo Sound and Terra Nova Bay in alternate years; and (iii) collect and analyse a wide range of data and samples from these areas (e.g., demersal fish, benthic invertebrates, stomach and tissue samples, acoustic data), which will contribute to the Research and Monitoring Plan for the Ross Sea region MPA. This project will include a field work aspect with the successful candidate required to be on a fishing industry vessel for approximately 4 weeks following the Ross Sea commercial fishery (from mid-late January) in both 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons. Note that this may require travel to Scott Base in advance of this date, dependent on timing of flights to Antarctica, or the fishing vessel may return to a New Zealand port to reprovision prior to undertaking the survey.
How to respond to this tender
A strong tender response is clear, compliant, and backed by evidence. These steps apply to most Australian and New Zealand public tenders.
Read the requirements in full
Open the official listing and download the full tender pack. Note the response schedules, evaluation criteria, mandatory conditions, and the exact closing time and lodgement method.
Confirm you are eligible and it is worth bidding
Check licences, insurances, certifications, and any conformance requirements before you commit. A quick bid or no-bid decision saves days of wasted effort on a tender you cannot win.
Answer every criterion with evidence
Respond to each evaluation criterion directly and back your claims with concrete examples, referees, and past performance. Address the buyer’s stated need, not a generic capability statement.
Lodge early through the official portal
Submit through the source portal well before the deadline. Late or incorrectly lodged bids are almost always rejected, so leave time for uploads, portal errors, and last-minute questions.
