Specifications include, but are not limited to: Year-round on-call entanglement readiness and response for whales and sea turtles in Massachusetts and adjacent waters using their own vessel, equipment, trained personnel, and (permit) authorization from NOAA to conduct disentanglements. Near real-time reporting of confirmed entanglement sightings to MA DMF and National Marine Fisheries Service, with in-depth documentation when responding to entanglements. Obtain permits from NOAA for aerial and vessel-based surveillance and monitoring of right whales. Conduct large whale habitat monitoring cruises and zooplankton analysis using their own vessel and trained personnel from December to mid-May each year. Under the direction of MA DMF, conduct aerial surveillance surveys every year to document individual right whale residency and distribution in Massachusetts waters and adjacent areas from late fall through spring. Report all large whale sightings to the Sightings Advisory System at the end of each flight, provide a summary report of sightings to MA DMF within 24 hours, and photo-ID right whale data to the New England Aquarium. Document the distribution and abundance of any other marine mammals, fishing gear, and shipping activity in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters in winter through spring.
