Program for the Rescue of Entangled Marine Animals in Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Gulf, Quebec and Maritimes regions.

1. Objective: The purpose of the Program for the Rescue of Entangled Marine Animals in the Gulf, Quebec and Maritimes Regions is to maintain a ready team to safely respond to and assist or release entangled marine animals in coordination with the Campobello Whale Rescue Team, when requested by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). It aims to ensure the safe release of large whales and small cetaceans from commercial fishing gear, or other entangling lines, thus providing both a direct mitigation for species currently listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and decreasing damage to commercial fishing gear. The Program will be during the period from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2031. 2. Background: The Contractor is required to deliver the project in accordance with the Statement of Work ONLY in situations and conditions considered safe for such delivery. Under no circumstances should the Contractor attempt a rescue of a marine animal if environmental/weather conditions, or the logistical circumstances are not reasonable and safe given the circumstances of the disentanglement or release activity proposed. The Contractor shall monitor the environmental/weather conditions for changes that render the disentanglement or release operation no longer safe. The Contractor must adhere to any permits/authorizations/licences issued, such as, Section 38 authorization, SARA permit, as well as the Protocol for Liaison with DFO and any other protocols that may be provided by the DFO.