F5211-200362 - Herring Fecundity and Histology Services (F5211-200362)

Herring Fecundity and Histology Services

1.2 Contract Period

The Period of this contract is from contract award through to March 31, 2021

1.3 Introduction

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is conducting a study to estimate fecundity and evaluate reproductive development of Atlantic herring throughout the spawning season on two spawning grounds in the Southwest Nova Scotia / Bay of Fundy area. This project involves estimating the fecundity of herring by counting a subsample of oocytes, preparing a histological section of a sample of ovarian tissue on a microscope slide for microscopic evaluation, and measuring and staging oocytes on the prepared microscope slide, and estimating dry egg mass.

The proposed contract will support laboratory costs for preparing histology slides and scientific labour costs associated with processing samples.

1.4 Objectives of the Requirement

The objectives for the contracted work are to:

Provide an estimate of fecundity in a spreadsheet by fish identification number.

Prepare a histological section of a sample of ovarian tissue sectioned at an appropriate thickness and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Provide oocyte diameter measurements and developmental stages for all vitellogenic oocytes sectioned through the nucleus on each slide and provide measurements of the ovarian wall thickness when the ovarian wall appears on the slide.

Estimate oocyte dry mass from a sample of hydrated oocytes.