MPI seeks research provider for Ross Sea Shelf Survey 2026-28.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) seeks a research provider to conduct the annual Ross Sea Shelf Survey for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons. The survey monitors Antarctic toothfish recruitment in the southern Ross Sea, including core strata A–C, and tracks abundance of larger toothfish in McMurdo Sound and Terra Nova Bay. The provider must collect and analyze data on demersal fish, benthic invertebrates, stomach and tissue samples, and acoustic data to support the Ross Sea region MPA Research and Monitoring Plan. Fieldwork requires approximately 4 weeks aboard a fishing industry vessel following the commercial fishery, starting mid-late January each season, with possible travel to Scott Base. The contract covers two survey seasons.