Recon and Data Collection Walrus Aggregation   2

Background
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Alaska Science Center, located in Anchorage, AK, is conducting research on the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens), an ice-associated pinniped that inhabits the Bering and Chukchi Seas.

This research aims to assess the impacts of climate change on walrus populations, particularly due to the decline of sea ice which serves as critical habitat. The USGS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will conduct a joint research cruise in June 2025 to collect skin biopsy samples for genetic mark-recapture and age structure analysis. To support these operations, timely and accurate walrus aggregation location data is required.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for acquiring point locations for walrus aggregations in the northern Bering and Chukchi Seas during reconnaissance operations. Specific tasks include:

- Conducting a minimum of one and a maximum of four reconnaissance operations between June 2, 2025, and June 25, 2025;
- Following the marginal ice zone to identify walrus aggregations;
- Operating within an estimated maximum range of 700 nautical miles from shore;
- Verbally communicating real-time walrus location data via satellite phone to the research vessel;
- Providing electronic reports after each survey that include point locations of all walrus aggregations, estimated walrus counts at each location, and the area surveyed to obtain data.

Performance metrics require that walrus count estimates must be within ±10% margin of error, verbal communication must occur within 30 minutes of identification, and data must be submitted within three hours of completing each survey.

Period of Performance
June 2, 2025 – June 25, 2025

Place of Performance
Primary Locations: Kotzebue, AK and/or Utqiagvik, AK; Operational Area: Northern Bering and Chukchi Seas.