Defra intends to run an open tender to procure a new long-term UK Bycatch Monitoring Programme and is seeking Expressions of Interest from suppliers capable of delivering the requirements. The programme will monitor and assess the bycatch of sensitive marine species in UK fisheries, including (but not limited to) cetaceans, seabirds, seals, and elasmobranchs. The requirement will primarily cover England and Scotland, with potential involvement from other Devolved Administrations. The successful supplier will build on the existing programme by increasing monitoring coverage where required, enhancing data collection and analysis, integrating monitoring approaches such as observer monitoring and electronic monitoring, and improving understanding of bycatch patterns across fisheries, gear types, locations and seasons. Key outputs will include bycatch monitoring data, annual bycatch estimates and trends, technical reporting, and evidence to support national and international reporting obligations. We envisage that, if a new supplier is appointed, the new contract will start on the 01 June 27 with a one (1) month handover period, from 01 June to 30 June, with full responsibility being transferred to the successful contractor on 01 July 2027. Where applicable, these handover periods are to allow a new Contractor time to get ready to take over the full operation of the contract requirement. The contract will be let for an initial two-year term, with options to extend for two x 3 -12-month periods thereafter. (a total maximum of eight year’s). We estimate the contract value to be between the range of £380,000 - £430,000 funded by Defra and the Scottish Government. The contractor will be required to provide bycatch records and annual estimates of bycatch rates for sensitive marine species, produce information on bycatch trends using historical and newly collected data, and support reporting requirements including UK Marine Strategy assessments, OSPAR, ASCOBANS, ICES and US Marine Mammal Protection Act requirements. The contractor will also be expected to maintain accurate geo-referenced and time-referenced data on monitoring effort and bycatch incidence, produce annual reports for Defra, the Scottish Government and the project steering group, and provide information to support Parliamentary Questions and Ministerial correspondence when required. The Authority strongly encourages a consortium approach, recognising the multi-disciplinary nature of the work and the benefits of bringing together relevant expertise and organisations. The successful contractor will be expected to provide dedicated programme management, maintain effective communication with Defra and the Scottish Government, manage any consortium members or subcontractors, and ensure delivery of the programme’s aims, objectives and reporting requirements.

Procurement Act 2023

Supplier Engagement Event We will be holding a Supplier Engagement Event as we prepare to commence the procurement for this requirement. This session will provide interested suppliers with an opportunity to gain insight into the requirement, its objectives, and the proposed procurement approach. We are keen to engage with the market to better understand supplier capabilities, capacity, and innovative delivery approaches that could enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the programme. The event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the requirement and explore how your organisation may be able to support its delivery. Please note that the purpose of the engagement is to inform delivery and procurement considerations rather than to redefine the programme's scope, objectives, or intended outcomes. We are keen to engage with the market to better understand supplier capabilities and delivery approaches that could support the successful implementation of the requirement. The engagement session will be held virtually via MS Teams on 9th December 2026 at 2:00pm. Please be aware that this session may be recorded and/or transcribed. Suppliers wishing to attend should email [email protected] no later than 2:00pm on 7th December 2026, providing the following details for attendees (maximum of two representatives per organisation): • Contact name • Job title • Organisation name • Email address Please use the subject line: Bycatch Supplier Engagement Event – 9 December 2026 – 2pm If you have any questions prior to the event, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Supplier Engagement Event – Question There will be an opportunity during the session for suppliers to ask questions. MS Teams invites will be sent out and should be received no later than 2pm on 8th December 2026. It should be noted that this notice invites individuals and organisations to express an interest in this exercise only and participation in this engagement exercise does not guarantee participation in any future procurement process and does not constitute a call for competition or a commitment by the Authority to proceed with a procurement. Any subsequent procurement opportunity will be advertised separately in accordance with the Authority's procurement obligations.