The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (the FRDC) is undertaking a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) to identify potential Respondents to supply and deliver oxygenation in Macquarie Harbour as part of the Oxygen Offset Program in Macquarie Harbour (OOPMH).
What's the program about?
The Oxygenation Offset Program in Macquarie Harbour (OOPMH) is a two-year Australian Government-funded initiative to address the management of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in Macquarie Harbour. At times the DO conditions in the Harbour can threaten the endangered Maugean Skate, with marine finfish aquaculture identified as a contributor to oxygen demand in the water column and sediments.
What does the program aim to achieve?
Building on lessons from the Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Project (MHOP), OOPMH will deliver a scalable, peer-reviewed oxygenation solution through collaboration with regulators, industry, experts, and communities.
The program aims to:
- Offset DO demand from aquaculture using mechanical oxygenation.
- Develop a validated and repeatable oxygenation methodology.
- Transition oxygenation responsibility to industry post-2027.
- Support ecological functioning of Macquarie Harbour.
Who are we looking for?
The successful Respondent/s will:
- Supply and deliver oxygenation in Macquarie Harbour for the Term of Operations.
- Provide oxygenation solutions that are modular and scalable to allow for adaptability for generating oxygen, delivery and dissolution systems
- Deliver, across the area of Macquarie Harbour covered by marine finfish farming leases (solely or in collaboration with others), a system (or systems) capable of supplying 18 Tonnes of oxygen per day with an average output of 11 Tonnes of oxygen per day for the Term of Operations.
- Work collaboratively with other Harbour users, including marine finfish farming businesses operating in the Harbour, to maximise efficiency and environmental outcomes.
- Actively engage with others in OOPMH to foster collaboration as well as industry capability to manage oxygenation after the conclusion of this activity. This could include those providing science services as well as others delivering oxygenation services.
When are applications due?
Applications close 5pm AEST on Thursday 2 October 2025.
How do I apply?
Submit the completed Schedule 1 (including Annex A) and any attachments via email to OOPMH@frdc.com.au
Your EOI must use a minimum 10 font size and have a minimum margin of 2.5cm. Fields marked with * are compulsory.
Ensure you’ve read the Oxygen Offset Program in Macquarie Harbour (OOPMH) EOI Guidelines before applying.
For more information, email FRDC Research Portfolio Manager Ben Jones OOPMH@frdc.com.au
