Request for Proposal (RFP) for Blue Catfish Feasibility Study Announced
Study is to determine if Blue Catfish harvest is a sustainable and competitive sector for small businesses and job creation in the Southern Maryland Counties - Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's regionally, or in cooperation with other areas of Maryland.
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) is releasing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a qualified firm to conduct a feasibility study to determine if the Blue Catfish harvest is a sustainable and competitive sector for small businesses and job creation in the Southern Maryland Counties of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's regionally, or in cooperation with other areas of Maryland.
The purpose of this study and plan is to assess the viability of the Blue Catfish sector as a sustainable and competitive industry in the region, with the potential to contribute significantly to job creation, economic development, sustainable livelihoods, and food security throughout the Region and State.
Background - Maryland watermen have the means and ability to harvest Blue Catfish, however the large and quickly multiplying invasive species is populating the Bay and its tributaries so rapidly that there is a severe lack of infrastructure available for processing the fish and getting them to viable markets for both commercial and retail sale.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s seafood marketing program currently undertakes efforts to raise public awareness and promote the consumption of this invasive species. The State also has a statewide purchasing program intended to create a steady market for Blue Catfish demand.
A Feasibility Study should identify the Southern Maryland Tri-County Region’s potential and impact in contributing to the economic growth and positive environmental impacts surrounding the further harvesting and marketing of Blue Catfish.
Specific data and strategies surrounding Blue Catfish fisheries and untapped market potential in Southern Maryland would better position the Region in playing a role is the Statewide efforts, while potentially establishing a foundation for driving greater private and public investment in the Southern Maryland seafood and fishery industries.
Proposals must be submitted electronically by 4 p.m., EST on September 18, 2023
Visit the News/Events page at SMADC.COM to find full RFP details - background, objective, stakeholders, project requirements, timeline, evaluation criteria and proposal submission information.
VIEW or DOWNLOAD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) HERE