Specifications include, but are not limited to: a) Assist the DNR – Fishing and Boating Services in completing the Winter Crab Dredge Survey which is the only Bay-wide fishery independent effort to estimate the number of blue crabs living in the Chesapeake Bay. The Winter Dredge Survey produces information that is essential for the management of the species, such as an estimate of the number of crabs over-wintering in the bay and the number of young crabs entering the population each year. DNR also calculates the estimated number of females that could spawn within the year, which is an important indicator of future spawning potential. b) Provide a captain, mate and vessel suitable for winter operation and fully equipped for winter crab dredging. The vessel shall be capable of accommodating all State provided equipment and must meet the following qualifications: a. Be equipped with an accurate, functional Digital Global Positioning System unite as sites are located and distances covered are recorded by means of this unit. b. Have all necessary deck equipment – winch, tow chain, tow chain safety clip (fingers), support frames, trawl blocks, etc. necessary to safely operate the crab dredge. c. Be equipped for safe commercial crab dredging. For safety purposes, all towing will be done using safety chain and chain fingers. d. Vessels will be inspected prior to contract approval by DNR. c) Have the U.S. Coast Guard required safety equipment on board for all individuals on the vessel, including up to three (3) DNR – Fishing and Boating Services staff. d) Have at least one (1) season working with a winter crab dredge (commercial and scientific sampling), which will be inspected by DNR.
