TFD detained Purse Seine Fishing vessel Micronesia 101 for official custody

Matelina Stuart  Oceanic  , , , , ,
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FV Micronesia 101

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department detained the purse seine fishing vessel name Micronesia 101 due to the violation of section 63 of the Tuvalu Marine Resources Act 2006 (and the Marine Resources (Amendment) Act 2017). One of the FV Micronesia 101 crew dumped broken winch cable into the lagoon while transhipment in the Funafuti port.

The monitoring observer of the fishing vessel reported the incident  to the Tuvalu fisheries department. The incident occurred on the 10th of September 2018 at 10:45 am.

The fisheries department issued the company of the FV Micronesia 101 with the Notice of Violation and the Agreement Fine Settlement Agreement. The company agreed to pay the specified fine of $50 000 by the 26th September 2018 as provided under the Agreement Fine Settlement Agreement.

Section 63 of the Marine Resources Act and as amended by the section 35 of the Marine Resources (Amendment) Act 2017 now provides a maximum fine of $2 000 000 for any violation of this offence.

The Oceanic staffs of the fisheries department, as part of their duties always reminded the vessel captain of the requirements of transhipment laws of Tuvalu and the captains of each vessel that undertake transhipment in Tuvalu are reminded to follow the Marine Resources Act and any other relevant laws.

“Cooperation is needed from the public, to report any of these sorts of incidence to the Fisheries department office. The Fisheries Department will enforce the Marine Resources Act, and companies of any foreign fishing vessel transhipment in Tuvalu are also kindly reminded to inform their vessels to follow and respect the laws of Tuvalu,” an officer of the Fisheries Department said.

Closed:Expression of Interest : A Mid Term Review Consultant (14/09/2018)

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Vacancies  , ,

The Tuvalu Government has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) and the project intends to apply part of the proceeds for consultancy services. The services required at this time is for:

A Mid-Term Review Consultant to review the Tuvalu PROP project.

The Term of Reference for the above assignment can be obtained from the Tuvalu PROP Office OR click on the above text of services required.

Interested consultants/firms are invited to provide information indicating their qualifications to perform the assignment, including (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, and availability of appropriate skills among other things) together with their Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Director of Fisheries on the above address or email.

The successful consultant/firm for the above assignment will be selected under the Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011 edition).

The closing date for Expression of Interest is at 4 pm – 14th September, 2018.

Administration Group

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , ,

The Administration section of the Department is responsible for a range of activities, including:

  • Advising the Minister, Cabinet and Parliament on fishery policy issues and high-level developments within the sector;
  • Negotiating fishery access agreements with distant water fishing nations, associations, fleets and companies;
  • Economic analysis of fishery development and management options;
  • Ensuring consistency between fishery revenue information held by the TFD and the Treasury Department of MFED;
  • Promoting and managing fishery joint ventures and other commercial activities in which the Government of Tuvalu has an interest, including support for NAFICOT;
  • Ongoing review of Tuvalu’s fishery legislation to ensure it remains compliant with international treaties and arrangements to which Tuvalu is a party;
  • Assisting the Attorney-General’s Office and other relevant government departments in regard to incidents of non-compliance with Tuvalu’s fishery laws;
  • Providing access to information on Tuvalu fisheries, including through the development and maintenance of a Fisheries Department library and website;
  • Production of public information materials on the work of the Department, and the Tuvalu fisheries sector in general;
  • Representing Tuvalu at high-level fishery discussions and negotiations; and
  • Managing and keeping records of departmental expenditure, travel, training and personnel issues.

The Administration section leads and supports the operations of the entire Department. It provides the critical links between the Department and domestic, national and international agencies.  It also provides the links between the three major sections within the Department (the Oceanic Division, the Operations & Development Division, and the Coastal Division) and its activities cut across the Department’s annual work plan.  The Management Team consists of the Director, the Deputy Director, Technical Advisors, Legal Officer, Fisheries Economist, Fisheries Media Officer, and all Heads of Sections. In order to improve the monitoring and evaluation of the Department’s daily activities, the administration section is tasked to provide the necessary support to all staff in their efforts to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

Monitoring & Reporting of the 2018 Work Plan

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , , , , ,

Smoke fish Training with Funafuti Women

Monitoring of Work Programme implementation and delivery will primarily be through the monthly meetings of the SMC.

In addition, quarterly progress reports will be produced by the TFD, both for internal purposes and to respond to the requirements of the Government of Tuvalu (Planning Department, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development) as well as NZAP, World Bank and UNDP/ GEF, the Department’s major external development partners.

The Department will also continue to produce Annual Reports for submission to and approval by Cabinet.

FFA assists Fisheries staff and Government Departments to boost their perception on US Treaty

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , ,

IMG20180718111818 (2)Mr Kaburoro Ruaia, the US Treaty Manager and Ms Kasipo M Teo, the legal officer from the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) office, conducted a US Treaty workshop at the new Fisheries building conference room this month. The consultation was run from 18th to 20th of July 2018.

The consultation was made to assist Fisheries staff, and the departments of Finance, Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office in the ratification of the Amendments to the Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America.

Mr Ruaia, presented to the stakeholders who attended the workshop, the status and an update on the treaty and the status of its ratification. He further looked at the benefits that the treaty has provided to the Tuvalu Fisheries Department and the Tuvalu Government as a whole.

Ms Kasipo stressed the importance of ratifying the amendments to the US Treaty for the region and to Tuvalu in particular. This included the benefits that the Treaty provides to Tuvalu and the region as a whole.

The Pacific Island States and the government of the United States of America agreed to the US Treaty on 6th December 2016, concluding it on the 6th December 2016 in Nadi, Fiji. Since that time, the Treaty has operated on a provisional arrangement under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Pacific Island states (except for Fiji and Australia) whilst pending ratification by all Pacific Island states and the US.

Save our ocean and beat plastic pollution!

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Coastal  , , , , , ,

P60800718The Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) took awareness on a healthy ocean and the issue of plastic pollution to the islets of Funafuti last week on a field trip as part of the Environment Week celebrations. This year, international Environment Week was themed as “25 years of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) safe-guarding Life on Earth” and “Beat plastic pollution”.

TFD’s main focus was ‘Save our ocean and living creatures, and beat plastic pollution’ which targeted Form 2 students from Nauti Primary School and the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School.

The field trip took place at Fualopa islet, one of the islets within the Funafuti Conservation Area (FCA), and participants were transported to the islet on the RV Tala Moana.

A hundred and twenty four people participated, including Form 2 students, teachers, officers of the Ridge to Reef Rroject (R2R0, staff from the departments of Agriculture, Waste, and Environment, the NAPA II Project, a member of the Funafuti Kaupule (Island Council), fisheries officers and a member from the Flower Power group.

At the islet, Form 2 students were divided into three groups, namely: Marine, Terrestrial and Beach, for an educational activity facilitated by Mr. Teleke Peleti, Mr. Tito Isala, Ms Miriama Taukiei and Ms Lilly Nafatali.

The main idea of these educational activities is for our children and especially the public to know how dangerous plastic pollution is to every living thing around us, especially in the sea, where fish is our daily source of intake.

During these activities, Ms Taukiei said that “The sea is not a dumping site for plastics and we should all work together to stop littering plastics on land, on the beach and in the sea”.

One student compared Funafuti to Fualopa islet. She said that “Fualopa is much cleaner than the main land especially the water and the fresh air”.

After all the activities, lunch was served prepared by the Fisheries Department. Participants ended the day’s activities with collecting rubbish on the islet before heading back to the mainland.

This field trip was fully funded by the Fisheries Department.

Fisheries staff build their capacity on types of fishing techniques

Matelina Stuart  Operations & Development  , , , ,

DSC02627Staff of the Operation and Development section within the Fisheries Department underwent a week-long training from 24th May to the 1st of June 2018 on bottom fishing techniques and the use vacuum packaging using a sealer machine.

The training was facilitated by an expert on fishing and food technology from the Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Foundation (OFCF), Mr. Keizo Takashi and with the help of Toma Hayashi, Operation & Development Technical Advisor.

During the week, three days were spent on trial fishing for squid, trying to find out whether or not there are squids in our ocean.

Two days of the training were spent on trial fishing for yellow fin tuna using electric reel and the final three days were spent on fish smoking and vacuum seal packing.

Mr. Keizo said, “The trial fishing for squid and yellow fin tuna was unsuccessful but I will come back in October this year to try again.”

Mr. Tupulaga, the Principal Fisheries Officer for the Operation and Development said, “When Mr. Keizo leaves for Japan, the operation and development staff will continue to explore trial fishing for squid and yellow fin tuna once a month.”

These exploratory fishing techniques were made in order to get new ideas on fishing techniques with an effort to divert fishing pressure off reef fish.

The training is also to adequately equip Operation and Development section staff to become trainers in these fishing areas, where they will be required to share their knowledge and skills with local fishermen at a later stage if the outcome of trial fishing is successful.

This training was funded by the OFCF of Japan.

Closed:Expression of Interest : 2 Consultancy services required (7/05/2018)

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , ,

GOTThe Tuvalu Government has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) and the project intends to apply part of the proceeds for consultancy services. The services required at this time are:

1. An Individual Mid-Term Review Consultant to review the Tuvalu PROP project; and

2. An Individual Environmental and Social Safeguard Consultant to conduct safeguard assessments for the Tuvalu PROP project.

The Term of Reference for the above assignments can be obtained from the Tuvalu PROP office or the Fisheries new building office OR  click on the above text of services required.

Interested consultants are invited to provide information indicating that he/she is qualified to perform the assignment, including (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, and availability of appropriate skills among other things) together with his/her Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Director of Fisheries, Fisheries department, Teone  or email PROP at proptuv@gmai.com or contact by phone number at (688)20 348

The successful consultant for each of the above assignment will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011 edition).

The closing date for Expression of Interest is at 4 pm – May 7, 2018.

Closed:Fisheries Department : 3 Vacant Posts (8/03/2018)

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , ,

GOTThe Tuvalu fisheries department of the Government of Tuvalu is seeking suitably qualified Tuvaluan citizens to fill 3 vacant positions within the fisheries department.

1. Storekeeper/Cleaner at level 10

2. Principal Fisheries officer – Coastal at level 5/4 and;

3. Principal Fisheries officer- Oceanic at level 5/4

Please click on the above vacant post texts to get full details on job descriptions and important notices, or contact the Public Service Commission’s office to obtain full details of the above vacant positions via telephone number 688 20110 during working hours only.

All interested applicants should address their applications to the Secretary of Office of the Prime Minister. Interested applicants are to submit their applications (Cover Letter) together with a: Form P2, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Certified copies of their qualification certificates; and Transcripts from recognised institutions to the Office of the Public Service Commission no later than 4.00pm the 8th of March 2018.

Closed:Fisheries Officer- Observer Coordination: Vacant Post (1/03/2018)

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , ,

PROPThe Tuvalu Fisheries Department under the Government of Tuvalu is inviting a suitably qualified Tuvaluan citizens to fill in the vacant post of a Fisheries officer-Observer coordination which is currently exist within the Fisheries department. It is a 10 months contract appointment and expected to start next month March 2018.

Background Information on the Project
The Oceanic Fisheries Section (OFS) under the Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) oversees the effective monitoring, control and management of industrial tuna fisheries in Tuvalu’s fishery waters. The Oceanic section has about 9 permanent staffs with contract observers who are employed on contractual basis. The Oceanic Fisheries Section (OFS) of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) is responsible for managing the Tuvalu National Observer Programme (TVNOP), which was established in 2010 and has been successful in improving the monitoring of foreign fishing activities in Tuvalu and regionally, as well as creating employment opportunities for Tuvaluans. In 2012, the TVNOP was accredited as part of the WCPFC Regional Observer Programme (ROP), having met all the regional standards following a performance audit of the programme undertaken by the WCPFC ROP coordinator. TVNOP has grown and expanded from a handful of observers to a total of approximately eighty-five PIRFO certified observers, of which at least sixty-five to seventy can be classified as active. The TFD was just informed by the Human Resource Management (HRM) division that two of our Oceanic fisheries officers which includes (Observer Coordination and Purse Seine Licensing Officer) were both received a government scholarship for further studies abroad. This information came out late after the government 2018 budget has been approved, therefore, we were not able to get funding for a replacement while the officers were absent for study. The Observer Coordinator is responsible for managing Tuvalu’s Observer Programme, including overall management of observer placements, ensuring all reporting requirements are completed in a timely fashion, communicating with foreign fishing vessels and arranging and/or undertaking debriefing of observers. The TFD now wishes to engage a temporary replacement for this position to enable implementation and overall managing of Tuvalu National Observer Programme (TVNOP). Future engagement of this appointed contractor is explored with HRM until the substantial holder is returned from study.

Objective(s) of the Assignment
The objective of the assignment is to create a temporary position on behalf of the Oceanic Fisheries Officer who’s absent on further study abroad, the said position would manage the Tuvalu National Observer Programme (TVOP).

Scope of Work
Under the supervision of the PFO Oceanic Fisheries and SFO MCS the replacement officer’s responsibilities will include:
· Manage the observer programme and the observers and debriefers involved in the programme
· Develop observer work plans and provide quarterly and annual reports to the Senior Fisheries Officer – MCS
· Liaise with foreign fishing companies and regional observer management agencies such as FFA and PNA regarding observer placements
· Coordinate travel arrangements with foreign fishing companies
· Arrange per diems for observers at sea and any other expenses required
· Monitor observer vessel movements
· Ensure observers meet expected standards and provide observers with all the tools and they need to satisfactorily undertake observer duties
· Ensure all workbooks are sent to the relevant organisations
· Arrange debriefing of all observers according to PIRFO protocols and undertake debriefing duties where necessary
· Provide back up support to the SFO – VMS and the SFO – Police Liaison as necessary
· Undertake other duties as directed

Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of this assignment will significantly contribute towards achieving Fisheries corporate plan objective 4 which aimed at Tuvalu being fully compliant with all the reporting requirements of the WCPFC and other international fishery treaties to which it is a party. The replacement officer will extend the capabilities of the TFD to ensure TVNOP will run successfully and without delaying the placement of observers on-board Foreign Fishing Vessels (FFV).

Qualifications and basis for evaluation (Evaluation Criteria)
The contractor must have:
· Diploma or Certificate in Management or Fishery related discipline
· Qualified PIRFO Debriefer and Observer
· Experience as a practising observer in the WCPO tuna fishery
· Experience in Monitoring, Control & Surveillance activities
· Skills and Abilities
· Highly proficient observer and debriefer skills
· Good understanding of the PIRFO programme
· Basic sea safety skills and able to operate marine radios
· Knowledge of and experience in boarding and inspection procedures
· Knowledge of and experience with information management systems such as TUFMAN and FIMS
· Knowledge of fishing gear methodology used in the region
· Able to write succinct, clear reports
· Basic financial management skills to manage observer expenses and provide financial reports
· Basic computer skills
· Good command of written and spoken English
· Excellent communication skills with an ability to interact with all stakeholders, in particular foreign fishing vessel crew
· Excellent organisational and time management skills
· Flexibility attitude and ability to adapt appropriately to changing requirements and situations
Desirable qualifications and skills:
· Basic management training
· Basic foreign language skills in one or more of the languages relevant to crew on FFV in the Western & Central Pacific tuna fishery

Duration of the Assignment and Estimated Time Inputs
The assignment will be for 10 months. Condition and rules of the GAO are applied once contract has been signed. The officer will be based on Funafuti and work closely with the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) team under the Oceanic Fisheries Section. The starting date of the assignment will be no later than 6th March 2018.

Reporting Requirements
The replacement officer is expected to submit a quarterly report and annual report to the SFO Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS). Additional reports may be required under the direction by the Director of Fisheries (DOF).

Terms & Conditions
· Remuneration will be at level 8/7 of the government salary structure.
· Employer’s National Provident Fund (NPF) contribution of 10% of salary will also be paid.
· Equipment needed for this assignment will be provided by TFD.

Recruitment
Applications for this position should addressed to the Director, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Natural Resources, Private Mail Bag, Funafuti, or email to proptuv@gmail.com or proptuv@tuvalufisheries.tv. Applications should include a cover letter, explaining the applicant’s reasons and motivation for applying for the assignment, official transcript as well as curriculum vitae which details the applicant’s education, qualifications and work experiences.

The closing date for applications is the close of business 1st March 2018. Applications after this time will not be considered.