Newport Bay Caulerpa prolifera Eradication Surveys

Purchase Agency: United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Reason for Purchase: The USFWS has identified the presence of the non-native alga, Caulerpa prolifera, in Newport Bay, California. This invasive species has the potential to cause significant economic, recreational, and biological impacts if it spreads further. The USFWS aims to survey high priority habitat areas at risk of infestation and gather critical scientific information to inform eradication and invasive species management responses.
Work to be Acquired: The contractor will be responsible for developing a survey design for conducting surveys of Caulerpa prolifera within Newport Bay. This may include surveying areas at high risk of spread or re-surveying areas where the alga has been removed to look for regrowth over time. The surveys will be conducted using SCUBA divers to visually inspect the bottom and identify any presence of Caulerpa. The contractor will document the survey results in a written report and provide spatial data compatible with geographic information systems (GIS).
Timeframe of Acquisition: The period of performance for this contract is from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2024.
Place of Performance/Delivery: The work will be performed in Newport Bay, California.
Notable Information: The contract is part of the response to the threat posed by Caulerpa prolifera in Newport Bay. It follows a collaborative model used successfully in the past for eradicating C. taxifolia. The survey design will be developed in consultation with the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team (SCCAT) and the USFWS Project Officer. The contractor must have scientific expertise in estuary/marine resource management applications and utilize scientifically trained SCUBA divers and vessel operations for conducting the surveys.