2020)

May 26, 2020 Matelina Stuart Vacancies Jobs, PROP, TFD, WB

The Government of Tuvalu has received financing from the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility to participate in the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP). The objective of the PROP is to strengthen the management of selected Pacific Island oceanic and coastal fisheries, and the critical habitats upon which they depend. This will provide the basis for sustainable and increased economic benefits from this resource. PROP comprises of four components: (i) Sustainable management of oceanic fisheries; (ii) Sustainable management of coastal fisheries; (iii) Sustainable financing of the conservation of critical fishery habitats; and (iv) Regional Coordination, Implementation Support and Program Management.

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) is the implementing agency for PROP in Tuvalu. To support the project implementation, TFD requires the services of a Project Officer (PO) established in the national project management unit (PMU). The Project Officer will be responsible for procurement activities; general administration to ensure project documentations are retained and properly filed; and logistical requirements of the project where he/she will provide support in arranging travels, workshops, etc. The officer will be based in Funafuti and will report to the PROP Project Coordinator.

Specific details of duties and responsibilities, Terms and condition for this position are shown below 1. Required qualifications and attributes in attachment 2 with additional information in attachment 3. These information can be downloaded from http://www.tuvalufisheries.tv/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200403-Project-Officer-TOR-final_26052020.pdf

Qualified Tuvalu citizens are eligible to apply. Applications must include a cover letter, explaining the applicant’s reasons and motivation for applying; a curriculum vitae (CV) detailing the applicant’s education, qualifications and experience; and certified copies of transcript and certificate to support the application.

All applications should be addressed and sent to the: Director of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Trade, Teone, Funafuti, OR email to proptuv@tuvalufisheries.tv / proptuv@gmail.com.

The closing date for applications will be the close of business on the 9th June, 2020.

Late applications will not be considered.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Officer (PO) will report to the PROP National Project Coordinator and under the following duties:

Procurement Related Duties

With support and guidance from the World Bank Procurement Specialist, the PO will work with the PROP Project Coordinator and Tuvalu Fisheries Department staff on procurement requirements of the project. The PO will ensure that all procurement is conducted in accordance with the provisions in the legal agreements between the World Bank and the Government of Tuvalu.

a. Procurement Management

Monitor the implementation of and keep up to date the project procurement plan; 
Assist in the preparation of procurement activities for goods, works and services as appropriate including: drafting technical specifications, Invitations to Quote, bidding documents, terms of reference and draft contracts;
Assist with any clearances processes from relevant government agencies and/or the World Bank task team;
Assist with the procurement process including advertising, receiving bids/proposals, drafting no objection requests for the Project Coordinator; organizing evaluation committees and publishing results of tender processes as relevant; 
Coordinate with the Project Accountant on procurement activities to ensure alignment and availability of budget; 
Stay informed about any new regulations affecting procurement under the project. Periodically consulting as needed the Program Operations Manual and proposing modification or updates of this document as needed;
Stay informed about relevant government regulations including, tax regulations, customs regulations and any procurement regulations that may apply to the project.

b. Vendor/Contract Management 

Maintain a list of vendors supplying general items for project implementation;
Check invoices to ensure correct price, follow through to ensure that materials ordered have been received and comply with specifications, examine the conditions of material received, and approve invoices for payment;
Interact with the Project Accountant in the monitoring of the correct and timely payment to contractors and consultants, according to the contract provisions;
Assist the PROP National Project Coordinator or other designated persons in the administration of the contract according to the provisions of the contract and procurement regulations.

c. Procurement Reporting and Outputs 

Monitor and report the procurement implementation status and progress to the National Project Coordinator, TFD and the World Bank as required. 
Assist with the preparation of a quarterly procurement status report. 
Assist the PROP National Project Coordinator in the preparation of any procurement related reports required by the Project. 
Maintaining safe, complete, updated, organized and easily retrievable filing system for procurement records and retains those records during the time established by the donors and local regulations. 
Maintain an asset register for items procured under the project.

General Administration and Logistics Duties

Under the direction of the PROP National Project Coordinator provide administrative and logistical support to the program as needed, activities include: 

Filing of all project related documents;
Assist the PROP National Project Coordinator with project reporting requirements; 
Assist the PROP National Project Accountant with the preparation of project payments, including delivery of project documents to stakeholders in Funafuti, arranging for signatures by authorised officers, and other errands as required; 
Arrange project related travel; 
Logistical and administrative support to consultants and technical advisors engaged under the PROP; 
Undertake shopping for goods and services associated with incremental operating costs; 
Scheduling meetings/programs for incoming visits or outgoing trips; 
Arrange workshops, conferences, meetings;
Contribute to project communications activities and outreach, including drafting short briefs and summaries of results achieved under the project; 
Other duties as required under the direction of the PROP National Project Coordinator.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Position Profile

The position requires high quality professional work for management of project administration and procurement. The position also requires good judgement, integrity and ability to come up with innovative solutions to project procurement issues. Essential qualifications at this level include a degree, diploma or other appropriate tertiary qualification as well as relevant experienced commensurate with the job.

Required Qualification and Experience 

Tertiary education from a recognized institution in Business Administration, Commerce or other relevant degree. 
Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience. 
Experience working in a team environment. Fluency in written and spoken English, and ability to communicate clearly through e-mail and formal correspondence. 
Competency in the use of computer applications, especially MS Office and Excel.

Additional Desirable Requirements: 

Ability to learn quickly. 
Organized and detail oriented person. 
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure. 
Experience in procurement (desirable, but not mandatory as the selected candidate will receive immediate intensive training in procurement). 
Familiarity with the use of internet services to seek product specifications and obtain quotations or cost estimates. 
Possess a valid driving license for a motor bike and car.

3. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Duration

This is a full time ‘Contract Officer’ position. The appointment will be for an initial four months with view of extension.

At the end of 4-months, the contractor’s performance will be reviewed. If satisfactory, a contract extension for 23 months will then be issued

Remuneration

Remuneration for this position will be at Level 5 of the Tuvalu Civil Service Salary Structure for 2020, plus a 20% loading to cover incidental costs (including personal transportation) and to account for the nonpermanent nature of the position. The salary band within Level 5 will be agreed with the successful applicant based on qualifications and experience.

Payments will be made at the rate of 1/26th of the agreed remuneration rate per fortnight.

The amount of remuneration will be fixed for this period.

The level of remuneration may be renegotiated after 2 years in the event of contract renewal.

Other benefits 

Employer’s National Provident Fund contribution (10% of salary); 
A housing allowance of $6,000 per contract year, payable at $230.77/ fortnight; 
A utility allowance or entitlement of $2,300 per contract year payable at $191.67/ monthly as reimbursable on submission of invoice or receipts; 
30 working days annual leave per year. Annual leave may not be accumulated between years, and if not taken will be lost; 
Annual leave passage entitlement of $2,000 payable annually as reimbursable on submission of invoice or receipts; and 
Maximum of 10 working days sick leave per year.

Office facilities

The PROP Office will provide space, office furniture, computer equipment, stationery, internet access and other facilities required for the effective performance of the contractor’s duties.

Transportation

The contractor will responsible for his/ her own transportation as required to attend the office.

Travel

When the contractor is required to travel for professional purposes within Tuvalu or internationally, boat or air tickets and other travel costs will be paid directly by the PROP. The contractor’s accommodation costs and other expenses will be covered by the PROP using Tuvalu Government per diem rates.

Key PROP Reference Documents 

Project Documents: PROP Project Appraisal Document (PAD) and Program Operational Manual (POM) 
Annual Planning: PROP national project budget and procurement plan; and annual work plan 
Legal Agreements: PROP Financing and Grant Agreements between the World Bank and Tuvalu, including the Disbursement Letter and the Service Agreement between Tuvalu and FFA. 
Environmental and Social Safeguards: PROP Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).

These and other relevant documents can be downloaded from the Tuvalu Fisheries Department web site https://www.tuvalufisheries.tv/ Underlined documents are still being finalized and will be made available as soon as possible.

Celebrating World Tuna Day in Tuvalu: Tuna, Our Hope & Pride

May 2, 2020 Matelina Stuart Admin FFA, Fisheries Department, GOT, PNA, Tuna, WCPFC

Tuvalu celebrated for the second time World Tuna Day this year 2020. The Ministry of Fisheries and Trade coordinated and organized activities for the public in celebrating this important day. Despite, the threat of COVID-19 to the people of Tuvalu, a lot of people did participate in competitions and enjoyed activities in celebrating the day and the lead up to it. Events mainly took place at the Tulaakiga Hall at Vaiaku from the 28^th April to the 2^nd of May 2020.

There were a lot of competitions and activities – more than last year. The event was started with competitions in colouring, drawing, posters, writing poems, paragraphs, essays and speeches. This engaged young people of all ages from Pre-schools, Primary schools, Secondary and University Foundation, with the great help of their schools and teachers. Other events comprised the song competition, futsal and volleyball tournaments, swimming competition, eating competition, Tuvaluan canoe racing and the fishing competition.

The programme for activities started on Tuesday the 28^th April with the students engaged in drawing, colouring, poems, paragraphs, essay writing and speeches. On Thursday the 30^th April was the opening ceremony of the event, followed by the song competition and the fishing competition. The prize for the biggest tuna was won with a yellowfin tuna of 98 centimeters long. The prize for the most fish was won with the amount of 6 yellowfin tuna.

The Acting Minister for Fisheries and Trade Hon. Ampelosa Tehulu, posed the following question in his speech during the Opening ceremony: “If this species, tuna, is our hope and pride, as a Tuvaluan, what is your contribution to preserve our hope, what is your contribution to preserve our pride in order to keep within us this precious hope and to have pride in the significance of this precious asset to our country Tuvalu?”

The Ministry of Fisheries and Trade also invited the Fusialofa (association for the disabled) and the Spar boxing group to entertain during the world tuna events, as well as dancing groups from the two secondary schools. The programme ended with the formal closing dinner in the evening of 2^nd May at the Funafuti Lagoon Hotel attended by the Prime Minister and other Ministers. Winners of all the activities and competitions were awarded their prizes during the closing dinner.

Tuna species are vitally important in terms of food security for the people of Tuvalu and for the national economy. Tuvalu is an active member of all the regional organisations involved in tuna fisheries – PNA, FFA, SPC and WCPFC.

Below are tables showing the prize winners for all competitions during activities of the World Tuna Day 2020. Prizes were donated by six tuna fishing companies that are bilateral partners of Tuvalu: Sajo, Shilla, Dongwon, Fong Kuo, RD Tuna, and Fairwell. Their generous support for the World Tuna Day programme is greatly appreciated by the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade.

COLOURING COMPETITION

PRE-SCHOOL CATEGORY

AGE: 3

Position	Name	School
1^st	Tarantewea Tepa	Olave Oakley
2^nd	Pouta Falaoa	Vaiaku
3^rd	Jack Pedro	A.O.G

AGE: 4

Position	Name	School
1^st	Fialei Kelesi	Vaiaku
2^nd	Selinda Patala	Lofeagai
3^rd	Gloria Samasoni	A.O.G

AGE: 5

Position	Name	School
1^st	Jnr Pogia Tateua	Lofeagai
2^nd	Lupemua	A.O.G
3^rd	Esita Vaevalu	Vaiaku

CLASS 1 CATEGORY

Position	Name	School
1^st	Vineta Kaitumana	NPS
2^nd	Tausili James	NPS
3^rd	Vinny Kerry	NPS

DRAWING COMPETITION

CLASS 2 CATEGORY

Position	Name	School
1^ST	Losa	SDA
2^ND	Nuku Iosefa	NPS
3^RD	Lakei Simeona	NPS

CLASS 3 CATEGORY

Position	Name	School
1^st	Suligita Pogia	NPS
2^nd	Atiriana	NPS
3^rd	Kamari Kalafaga	NPS

CLASS 4 CATEGORY

Position	Name	School
1^st	Taulau	NPS
2^nd	Maleta M	NPS
3^rd	Iafeta Ioane	SDA

POSTER COMPETITION

CLASS 5 CATEGORY

Position	Name	School
1^st	Loise Kim	SDA
2^nd	Wilshere Manraoi	SDA
3^rd	Ulia Molesi	SDA

CLASS 6 CATEGORY

Position	Name	School
1^st	Telaufatu Letia	NPS
2^nd	Azleen F	SDA
3^rd	Cinta Tupulaga	NPS

POETRY COMPETITION

CLASS 7/FORM 1 CATEGORY

Position	Name	School
1^st	Seuila Sagapolutele	NPS
2^nd	Alieni Pine	NPS
3^rd	Paae Tavei	SDA

CLASS 8/FORM 2 CATEGORY

Position	Name	School
1^st	Lily Pugameau	NPS
2^nd	Joe Taualo	NPS
3^rd	Lakera Ioane	SDA

PARAGRAPH WRITING COMPETITION

FORM 3

Position	Name	School
1^st	Miliifatoaga Galau Lauti	MSS
2^nd	Milly-aina Teitala	MSS
3^rd	Mililani Homasi	MSS

FORM 4

Position	Name	School
1^st	Nina Rosie Managreve	MSS
2^nd	Kausea George	FSS
3^rd	Lulia Laupane	FSS

ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION

FORM 5

Position	Name	School
1^st	Maike Pugameau	FSS
2^nd	Esther Eterina Maheu	FSS
3^rd	Kenneth Jnr Green	FSS

SPEECH COMPETITION

FORM 6

Position	Name	School
1^st	Roling Pugameau	FSS
2^nd	Vaioita Polau	FSS
3^rd	Thomas Ituaso	MSS
4^th	Raijeli Isala	FSS

FORM 7/FOUNDATION USP

Position	Name	School
1^st	Makelita Leota	USP
2^nd	Tele Vailagi	MSS
3^rd	Harry Fousaga	USP

Song Competition	Names
Single Category
1^st prize	Lilly Pugameau
2^nd Prize	Tusaga Iosefa
3^rd Prize	Lauolive Faila
Group Category
1^st Prize	Romalive Sisters
Fishing Competition	Names
Biggest Fish
1^st – 98cm	Talavalu Lipua
2^nd – 85cm	Simeona Italeli
3^rd – 64cm	Talavalu Lipua
Most amount of fish pieces
1^st – 6 pieces	Talavalu Lipua
2^nd – 5 pieces	Kauvaka Siuele
3^rd– 3 pieces	Taukili & Tekiata

Eating Competition	Names
Men’s Category
1^st	Josh Tupata
2^nd	Toma
3^rd	Kwillan O’Brien
Women’sCategory
1^st	Lei Aso
2^nd	Liufale
3^rd	Jonimila Isala

Raw Tuna Dish Competition	Names
1^st – 2 ties	Charles Leepo and Futuna Frank
2^nd	Mahu Tinapa
3^rd – 2 ties	Salini Uliamu and Tapua Pasuna

Canoeing Competition	Names
1^st	Sitepu
2^nd	Josh Tupata
3^rd	Logotau Tealagali

Swimming Competition	Names
Men’s Category
1^st	Fini Iuni
2^nd	Siona Siona
3^rd	Darren Failautusi
Women’s Category
1^st	Taumafai Tinapa
2^nd	Esther Tomasi
3^rd	Trish Drecala Lifuka

Volleyball Tournament (Women)	Names
1^st	Haapai team
2^nd	Niutao team
3^rd	Nauti team
Best female Player	Tealalei Tauanoa

Futsal Tournament (Men)	Names
1^st	Chinatown Club
2^nd	Tubamba Club
3^rd	COVID-19 Club
Best Player	Nelesone Kiula (Chinatown)
Top Scorer	Teuati Titivalu (Nauti Youth)

Closed: Request for Expressions of Interest: Consultancy to establish size limits for key species of coastal finfish in Funafuti Lagoon

April 9, 2020 Matelina Stuart Vacancies Coastal, PROP, TFD, World Bank

The Tuvalu Government has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP), and the project intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the following objectives:

Identify 20 or so ‘key species for Funafuti that important for food security ad seem to ne at risk of excessive harvesting before reaching sexual maturity;
Design a practical and cost effective sampling programme, building on existing creel surveys that will provide robust estimates of the size at maturity of these species taking into account seasonality;
Initiate sampling programme and provide training for TFD staff in assessing gonad development in a range of species as well as compiling and analyzing the results to produce sound based recommendations for size limits;
The propose level of input for this assignment is around 35 days and to start as soon as travel restriction eases or lifted.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for this assignment can be downloaded here: ToR for Tuvalu reef fish size limits study

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s http://www.worldbank.org/html/opr/consult/contents.html (January 2011 edition), and (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. The best qualified firm to carry out the services will be selected in accordance with the Selection Based on Consultant’s Qualifications (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines, and based on the following criteria  Firm’s core business and years in business, Relevant experience in the area of this assignment, Technical and managerial capability of the firm, Mandatory requirements highlighted in the TOR.

For further information you can email: proptuv@gmail.com/ OR proptuv@tuvalufisheries.tv during office hours: 0800 to 1700.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by e-mailed to the above email address before the close of business on April 23, 2020.

Tuvalu Government COVID19 Travel Advisory 24 Feb 2020

March 2, 2020 Matelina Stuart Admin coronavirus, COVID19, travel advisory

This advisory was issued by the Ministry of Health, Social Welfare and Gender Affairs, Department of Health on 24th February 2020.

As of 24 February 2020, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of the coronavirus in Tuvalu. Effective immediately and until further notice, as part of the Tuvalu Government’s continuing efforts to contain the global spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), now officially called COVID-19, Tuvalu borders (air and seaports) are closed to persons who have visited or transited through mainland China or any ‘high risk’ country within 14 days of their intended travel to Tuvalu. All travelers in these categories must remain in self-isolation in a country that is not ‘high risk’ for 14 days before traveling to Tuvalu.

Given the global spread of the virus, the government has decided on this measure of precaution in the interest of mitigating the risk of an outbreak of the virus in Tuvalu. The Tuvalu Government continues to work closely with its international carriers to ensure that all travelers who fall under these restrictions are not permitted to board flights from Suva, Fiji or Tarawa, Kiribati or enter Tuvalu waters on shipping vessels. Shipping vessel operators in Tuvalu are also mandated to submit their voyage memo, listing seafarers on board and report any person on board who has been sick in the last 14 days.

In addition to the existing integrated Tuvalu ‘Immigration /Customs /Health Declaration Form’, other precautionary border control measures are being conducted at the airport and seaport; including the completion of a supplementary health declaration form (specific to COVID-19) and compulsory health screening, including infrared temperature checks and further examination where necessary upon arrival.

Tuvalu deems a COVID-19 high risk country as one where there is ‘local transmission’ (i.e. COVID-19 cases with possible or confirmed transmission outside of China). This information can be sourced from WHO’s daily situational report.

General Hygiene Tips

❖ Do not travel if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice early.
❖ Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
❖ When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a
closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
❖ Tell your health care provider if you have traveled in an area in China where 2019-nCoV has been reported, you have been in close contact with someone who has traveled from China or you have visited a country in the last 14 days that has reported ‘ local’ transmission of the virus.

Respiratory symptoms with fever can have a range of causes, and depending on your personal travel history and circumstances,
2019-nCoV could be one of them.

For more information about Basic Protective Measures refer to: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
For more information for the latest coronavirus confirmed case numbers refer to: https://bit.ly/31LzXSB
WHO’s daily situational report, available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports

Refresher training for Funafuti Fishermen: New fishing techniques

February 19, 2020 Matelina Stuart Operations & Development OFCF, Operation & Development, Training

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD), in collaboration with the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF) of Japan, have been providing technical training for local fishermen in Funafuti.

Mr Keizo Takahashi, a specialist expert in fishing techniques and post-harvest processing of fish, from OFCF Japan, facilitated this training. Assistance was provided by TFD’s Operations and Development (O&D) Fisheries officers and Mr Toma Hayashi, the O&D Fishery Advisor.

The training is part of the technical assistance provided by OFCF of Japan, with the help of the TFD. The training focused mainly on new methods of fishing. Fishermen upgraded their skills learning to use new fishing gears and new techniques for trolling.

The training, run at the Fisheries building, commenced last week and ended this week with the construction of a smoking box.

There were 20 participants, fishermen, who attended the training. Mr Nelly Seniola, Operation & Development Fisheries Training Officer said that the training was indeed advantageous and successful.

One of the fisherman participants, Mr Faatumua Suinauna, said, “the training was indeed important for us fishermen, where from my point of view I have learned quite new methods of utilizing new fishing gears, and most important was the part on construction’s of a smoke box”. Mr Suinauana also thanked OFCF expert officers and Fisheries staff for their great support in providing such training in updating fishermen on new fishing techniques.

The training was funded by the OFCF of Japan.

The OFCF have been working in collaboration with the TFD in terms of providing technical and financial support through Fisheries Development Assistance. OFCF is a non-profit organization which conducts cooperative programs under general guidance and funding contributions from the Japanese Government.

Our Organisation: Plans for 2021

February 1, 2020 Matelina Stuart Admin Administration, Coastal, Fisheries Department, Fisheries officer, Oceanic, Operation & Development, PROP, Staff

In 2020 will see some strengthening of the Department’s staffing, reflecting the growing importance and complexity of systems for the oceanic fishery, as well as the growth of the observer programme and transhipment monitoring. We also recognise the need to provide more support for small-scale fisheries management and development. Our 2 inter-island vessels (Tala Moana and Manaui) have increased the workload of the Operations & Development Section. The new structure shown above will be implemented, for the most part, in 2020. Further changes will be needed in subsequent years as the work programme develops in areas such as coastal fisheries management, compliance and enforcement, laboratory services, mariculture, and support for fish marketing from the outer islands. Pay grades may also need to be reviewed to reflect additional responsibilities and for greater consistency. The Department comprises four sections, with different areas of responsibility:

The Administration Section, which is led by the Director, includes the Deputy Director, Legal Officer, Economist, Information Officer and IT Manager, as well as administrative staff. The group is responsible for fisheries access agreements, fisheries policy including regional initiatives, management of development projects, as well as planning and administration of the Division.
The Oceanic Fisheries Section, led by a Principal Fisheries Officer (PFO), is responsible for Monitoring, Control and Surveillance of the tuna fishery. Main work areas include vessel licensing, reporting and data collection, VMS and VDS monitoring, coordinating aerial surveillance and patrol boat operations, transhipment monitoring and the observer programme.
The Coastal Fisheries Division, also led by a PFO, is responsible for inshore fisheries resource assessment and management, as well as monitoring of the marine environment. The Division works closely with the Kaupules and other stakeholders in the community. Three teams, each led by a Senior Fisheries Officer, are responsible for work: in Funafuti; the outer islands; and on resource monitoring and assessment (including aquaculture).
The Operation and Development Division is responsible for the operation of the Department’s two vessels – Manaui and Tala Moana – including managing charters. The Division also has responsibility for the FAD programme, promoting sea safety, and training in fishing and fish processing. The development of boatbuilding and the new offshore fishing project will be led by this Division, working closely with local fishermen and their associations.

Progressing the Funafuti Reef Fisheries Stewardship Plan

January 7, 2020 Matelina Stuart Coastal

The Coastal team of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD), consulted with the Funafuti community just before Christmas to review the current status of the Funafuti Reef Fisheries Stewardship Plan (FRFSP).

This FRFSP consultation started with speeches from heads of the Funafuti Community, Chief Executive officer of the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade, Mr Nikolasi Apinelu and Mr Samasoni Finikaso, Director of Fisheries.

There followed by presentations on the current progress of the FRFSP from TFD officers, and Funafuti Conservation Area (FCA) officer representing from the Funafuti Town Council. The RIDGE to Reef (R2R) officer also presented and outlined their linkage with the FRFSP with their contributions and support provided to the Funafuti community.

There was an open discussion, suggestions and recommendations at the end of the presentations to improve the future operation of the FRFSP.

This FRFSP was first initiated through this Fisheries Monitoring and Management Consultation (FMMC). There were a total of four consultations in 2017. This was the first series of FRFSP consultation established to alert the public on the condition of the reef and inshore marine resources in Funafuti and to start the process of recovering back to fertile levels.

The Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP), under the World Bank, supported the FRFSP in terms of providing financial assistance to implement activities and equipment.

The TFD First and Second creel reports show that inshore fisheries in Funafuti are overfished. In the first report “A total of 14,508 specimens were landed and measured just in Funafuti during the study, including 180 species of fishes. Of the 22 species that could be evaluated for signs of overfishing, 13 (60% of species) had 50% or more of the catch under the size of maturity”.

Senior Fisheries officer for Coastal division on Funafuti Mr Sitia Maheu said: “The TFD and Funafuti Council are urging the Funafuti community and other island communities who resides on Funafuti to comply with the Funafuti Reef Fish Stewardship Plan and other Regulations to return the abundance of reef fishes in Funafuti”.

The TFD is and will continue to work in cooperating with the Funafuti community, Funafuti Town Council, R2R and PROP to ensure the future operation and effectiveness of the FRFSP.

Marine resources are the primary source of protein for the people of Tuvalu and therefore the Tuvalu Fisheries Department is working to manage and monitor inshore fisheries for the livelihoods and food security for the whole of Tuvalu.

Creel Survey Report shows overfishing for inshore species

November 1, 2019 Matelina Stuart Coastal

The Coastal Team of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) and local data collectors from eight islands of Tuvalu have found that overfishing is now a major issue for Tuvalu inshore fishes. The Coastal Team’s survey data, shows that inshore fisheries throughout Tuvalu are showing stress.

According to the TFD Creel Survey Report No. 2 there were a total of 39,263 specimens measured during the survey (2015-2018), including 268 inshore species of fishes in 106 families and 134 genera, and a total of 42.13 tones of catches measured. The results show that 39% of species were being landed with 50% or more of the fish undersized; that is, smaller than their known size at which they can reproduce. This shows that there is a pressure on the coastal reef fish resources on all islands surveyed.

The TFD currently play a role in Funafuti, in partnership with the Kaupule, fishers and communities in managing this issue through implementing Funafuti Reef Fishery Stewardship Plan (FRFSP). Among the FRFSP priorities is to strengthen the Funafuti Conservation Area (FCA), establisg size limits for fishes and encourage the diverion of fishing effort more offshore to tuna and other pelagic species. This is the second creel report the Coastal section has prepared since the first creel report TFD Creel Survey Report, 1 was published in 2016.

The analysis of creel survey data is a regular part of the Coastal Fisheries Section work. This work is being done to provide anonymous information on the fishers, data on the resources being caught and the effort required in a way that can be used to assess the health of the inshore fishery. One of the main aspects of the creel survey is to identify stressed resources in need of management.

the Coastal Section of TFD has been undertaking its creel survey since April 2015 and the work is on-going on all islands of Tuvalu except for Niulakita. Monitoring over time will provide feedback to management actions by providing a trace of percent of the catch below size at maturity over time. If management is successful in improving the state of the resources, we should see the percentage of undersized reef fishes decline. Overall productivity is expected to increase when the breeding population is improved.

Outer Island Data Collectors (OIDCs) and the Coastal Survey Team have been meeting fishers at their landing sites to interview them and collect data on the methods and gear they are using for fishing. Fishing locations and their perceptions on the fishery and changes over time are also collected. At the same time, the team measure and weigh each specimen in the catch. All data are then entered into a database from which the coastal team can access results to assess the resources.

Collecting data is an on-going task with data collectors from all Tuvalu islands providing much of the data on fish identifications and filling in details on all parts of the survey sheet. The Coastal Team conduct awareness programmes and consultations with communities on the results of the surveys and the implementation of the Funafuti Reef Fisheries Stewardship Plan. Fishery management are also being developed with the Kaupules and communities on all the outer islands of Tuvalu

Dry-docking RV Tala Moana

November 1, 2019 Matelina Stuart Admin, Coastal, Operations & Development

The Fisheries Research Vessel, Tala Moana will soon dock in Suva, Fiji for maintenance and repair. The Tala Moana is planning to dock next month for a one week period from the 2nd to the 6th December 2019 to fix it starboard main engine. It is planned that the vessel will leave Funafuti on the 21st November 2019.

The vessel has 9 crew, including the Skipper, Mate, Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, and the Bosun, the Second Able Seaman, an ongoing Seafarer and two qualified motormen.

The Fisheries Department operates the Tala Moana vessel and has confirmed when the Tala Moana will be leaving for Suva. The purpose of the work is to carry out normal maintenance and get the Tala Moana back to its full operation. This vessel provides an important service to the Tuvalu Fisheries Department TFD, and for other Government Departments and as well as outer island Projects and field missions. One of the regular uses of the Tala Moana is for the Coastal and Operations & Development sections to go on their quarterly “Metronome” trips to gather data and assist the Kaupules, fishermen and communities with fisheries-related matters.

The RV Tala Moana has completed at total of 69 TFD, Government, Project and Private sector charters since its arrival in late 2015.

The Tala Moana, a 32- metre steel vessel, was procured by UNDP using GEF funds allocated to Tuvalu primarily to support the operations of the NAPA2 and Ridge-to-Reef (R2R) Projects in which the Department is heavily involved. The Tala Moana was delivered in December 2015 and is better suited to passenger transport and outer-island fieldwork than the Extension Vessel Manaui. The vessel is much larger than anticipated which makes it more costly to run but also enables it to be used for Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) patrols.

Coastal Team focus plan to improve inshore fisheries

October 25, 2019 Matelina Stuart Coastal Coastal, Fisheries Department, Fisheries management, Workshops

Inshore Fisheries Advisor (IFA), Dr Uschi Kaly conducted a workshop with the Coastal team of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department this week. The workshop was dedicated to developing the Coastal Section’s Annual Work Plan for 2020 and beyond, and the proposed budget for 2020-2022, alongside with polishing the Coastal Fisheries staff’s skills.

The main idea of this workshop was to develop the Coastal Annual Work Plan in relation to the newly formulated Fisheries Department Corporate Plan for 2020 to 2022.

The workshop was run over a one week period and was held at the Fisheries Conference room from the 21st to the 25th October 2019.

There was an intensive consultation between the IFA and the coastal team. They discussed the different activities and goals for the Coastal Section for the next three years. The work plan will focus on delivering assistance to the Tuvalu Community at large, including support to Kaupules and fishers in terms of inshore fisheries-related issues. the main tasks will focus on improving fishery resource monitoring and management, implementing projects and research, monitoring environmental variables central to the health of fisheries and implementing the Funafuti Reef Fisheries Stewardship Plan (FRFSP).

Mr Lale Petaia said, “ Dr Uschi Kaly’s presence helps in providing a guideline towards completing a more realistic, well developed Annual Work Plan and of course the budget.

Dr Uschi Kaly, along with Mr Lindsay Chapman will be working as inshore fisheries advisers to TFD over the next 6 months during 4 one month trips to Funafuti. They will be assisting with many aspects of the Section’s work, plus undertake training as needed.