Interpretation of the biochemical and histological data and results on snow crab hemolymph, hepatopancreas, ovaries, lipid and glycogen and report preparation:
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in concert with
Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA) located in Halifax, undertook a Collaborative Agreement in April 2012 to address the various issues arising from a previous (2003) snow crab study. The purpose was to obtain baseline information about the inherent characteristics of snow crabs which can be compared with effects observed during or after handling or seismic exposure.
Under the terms of the current CA, the DFO requires service of data and result interpretation and preparation of reports on the biochemical analysis of hemolymph, histological sections of hepatopancreas and ovaries, lipid and glycogen analysis in snow crab.
Requirements:
Phase I (July 2013- March 2014): Result interpretation and reporting the hemolymph plasma biochemistry profile and hepatopancreas lipid and glycogen contents from snow crab samples collected in the fall 2012 and 2013.
Analyze the results on the hemolymph biochemistry profiles (120 profiles) obtained by Diagnostic Services at the University of Prince Edward Island for three different categories of snow crabs (20 large adult males ‘AM’, 20 undersized adult males ‘UM’ and 20 mature females ‘MF’) caged and left on the ocean bottom off Cheticamp and Margaree Harbour NS for two weeks with the same number of crabs collected in the wild as control, caged for 6 months with the same number of crabs collected in the wild as control.
Compare the results for three groups of crab (caged vs. wild, two weeks vs. 6 months) within a site and between sites and prepare a report
Analyze the results on the hepatopancreas lipid and glycogen contents (60 samples in triplicate/site) obtained by diagnostic laboratory at Research and Productivity Council for three different categories of snow crabs (10 large adult males ‘AM’, 10 undersized adult males ‘UM’ and 10 mature females ‘MF’) caged and left on the ocean bottom off Cheticamp and Margaree Harbour NS for two weeks with the same number of crabs collected in the wild as control, caged for 6 months with the same number of crabs collected in the wild as control (60 samples in triplicate/site).
Compare the results for three groups of crab (caged vs. wild, two weeks vs. 6 months) within a site and between sites and prepare a report
Compile and compare results from above mentioned studies and prepare a final report
Phase II (option period if exercised to commence on or about May 6, 2014 to January 2015: Analysis and interpretation of the results obtained by histological sections of ovary and hepatopancreas of snow crab and report preparation.
Review and interpretation of histology slides of ovary and hepatopancreas of snow crab collected in 2004
Review and score H&E stained slides of hepatopancreas and ovary of snow crab collected from seismic testing conducted off western Cape Breton Island in 2004, and prepare a report (in English only). Necessary materials (histological slides) and information (data sheets and original work done by Dr. L. Lee, Wilfred Laurier University) will be provided by DFO.
Review and score H&E stained slides of hepatopancreas and ovary of snow crab collected from fall 2012, spring and fall 2013 samplings based on the established scoring criteria, and prepare reports
Review/Instruct through one on one session, DFO technical staff with a camera-mounted with screen viewer on interpretation of histology slides by preparing a scoring guide
Preparation of project final report and presentation Compile and compare data from caging studies (2012 and 2013) by summarizing and integrating results from Fall and spring tissue distribution studies (2012), Fall and spring stability studies (2012), Trawl and Trapping studies (2012), Caging studies (2012 and 2013)
Meetings with project Principal Investigator to discuss results and provide recommendations on: Preferred sample collection method(s) for studies involving hemolymph analysis and identification of any biochemistry profile parameters that are linked with hepatopancreas energy reserves
Participate and present project final results on hemolymph biochemistry and hepatopancreas and ovary histology at stakeholder meetings (maximum of two meetings) and a scientific peer review meeting. The meeting sites are planned to be in Sydney, Cheticamp, Antigonish and/or Dartmouth, Nova Scotia between October and December 2014.
Contract Period:
Date of award to March 31, 2014 with an option of renewal for one (1) year (May 6, 2014 to January 2015) at the sole discretion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Tender Packages:
To receive a complete tender package, please contact Julia O’Brien at e-mail:
J••••••••@•••••••.••.ca
Inquiries: Direct all bidding and contract questions to Julia O’Brien at e-mail:
J••••••••@•••••••.••.ca
