Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Department of Environmental Management is soliciting proposals for chartering up to two commercial lobster vessels for a minimum of 3 days each month during the period between December 1st to November 30th for the purpose of conducting a lobster ventless trap survey in Rhode Island waters along a proposed offshore wind cable route. VENTLESS LOBSTER TRAP SURVEY OBJECTIVES: • Evaluate the spatial and seasonal patterns of relative abundance of lobster, Jonah crab, and bycatch in the cable route corridor before, during, and after construction. • Classify the demographics of the catch, such as size structure, sex ratios, molt condition, reproductive status, and shell disease. • Assess the effect of proximity to the cable on lobster and Jonah crab abundance and demographics during and after construction. • Foster and maintain a strong relationship between the commercial lobster industry and fisheries scientists and managers in the interest of strengthening communication between science and industry and optimally designing the proposed survey methods.
