Join the PNAO Team as a VDS/VMS Officer!

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , , , ,

Are you passionate about marine conservation and fisheries management? Do you have the skills and experience to make a difference in the Pacific region? The Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO) is looking for a dedicated VDS/VMS Officer to play a vital role in our mission to safeguard our oceans.

Position: VDS/VMS Officer

Location: PNA Headquarters, Pacific Region

Responsibilities: As a VDS/VMS Officer at PNAO, you will be at the forefront of marine resource management. Your key responsibilities will include:

✅ Assisting in the management and administration of the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS).

✅ Monitoring and reporting on Vessels MTUs and FAD Buoys in FIMS (Fisheries Information Management System).

✅ Reviewing, verifying, and updating positional data in PNA FIMS for VDS error correction.

✅ Maintaining data integrity in FIMS received through FIMS Users.

✅ Conducting VDS trainings and workshops.

✅ Providing technical support to Parties, industry, and other FIMS users.

✅ Managing relations with PNA VDS/VMS Service Providers.

✅ Reviewing technological requirements and scoping documents to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the VDS.

✅ Reporting to Parties at the PNA Annual and Special PNA meetings.

✅ Performing other duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements: To excel in this role, you should possess:

🎓 A High School degree or equivalent.

🎓 Training qualification as a fishery officer/observer.

🎓 Training in IT or a relevant subject area.

🎓 A relevant degree (desirable).

👥 A minimum of two years’ experience in VDS administration at the Party level.

💻 Experience in operating databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and reporting systems.

💼 High-level computer operating skills.

📝 Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

For a detailed job description, visit  the PNA website at www.pnatuna.com

What PNAO Offer: The successful applicant will be offered a three-year contract with a comprehensive remuneration package, including the possibility of extension.

Application Details: This position is open to anyone, but preference is given to PNA nationals. To apply, please submit the following documents electronically to jobs@pnatuna.com:

  1. A letter of interest addressed to the CEO.
  2. A brief CV highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.
  3. Two reference letters.

Application Deadline: Sunday, October 15, 2023

Join us in making a real impact on sustainable fisheries management in the Pacific region. Apply now and be part of the PNAO team dedicated to preserving our oceans for future generations. 🌊🐟🌏 #PNACareers #MarineConservation #FisheriesManagement

Closed: Vacancy Advertisement: 2 Community Fisheries Officer

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , ,

Are you passionate about fisheries and eager to make a difference in your community? The TFSP2 project under the Tuvalu Fisheries Department is recruiting two Community Fisheries Officers to work in Niutao and Nukufetau. If you have a strong educational background or seaman training experience and are dedicated to enhancing fisheries management in your home island, we want to hear from you.

Position Requirements:

  • Minimum qualification: Form Six graduate with excellent grades in Maths and English OR completion of seaman training at Amatuku.
  • Strong interest in fisheries management and development within local communities.
  • Physically fit and enthusiastic about fishing and diving.
  • Possess good practical skills.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the management and development of fisheries activities within the Niutao community.
  • Collaborate with local stakeholders to promote sustainable fishing practices.
  • Engage in data collection and analysis related to fisheries.
  • Participate in community outreach and educational programs.

Employment Details:

  • Contract duration: Up to 1 year, with potential for extension subject to Government funding.
  • Salary: Commencing at $12,100 per year (based on Level 8/7 of the Government scale).
  • 10-week training program at TMTI and Fisheries provided to successful applicants.
  • Additional short in-service courses for skill enhancement.

How to Apply:

  •  Click here to download the full job description in PDF format: Job Description CFOs – Niutao
  • Pick up a printed copy of the job description from our Teone office.
  • Send your letter of application to opetaia.noa@gmail.com through email, or bring a hard copy to the Fisheries office during working hours only.

Application Deadline: October 2, 2023

If you are enthusiastic about preserving Tuvalu’s rich marine resources, promoting sustainability, and contributing to your local community, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Join us in making a positive impact on Niutao and Nukufetau’s fisheries.

Tuvalu Takes Bold Steps to Access Lucrative EU Fish Market

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , , , , ,

In a significant development for Tuvalu’s fishing industry, the country has taken critical steps to secure a spot on the European Union (EU) market. Two key initiatives have been launched recently, marking a substantial leap forward for the nation’s aspirations to boost its economic prospects.

From August 7th to 18th, 2023, the Institute of Applied Science within the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, hosted the “Regional Sampling Training for Competent Authority for Health Certification.” This comprehensive training program aimed to strengthen the capabilities and competencies of Pacific Island Countries’ (PIC) Competent Authorities (CAs), which serve as focal points in accessing the EU market. The training was funded through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and was facilitated by the FFA market access team.

The need for such training has grown in response to the increasing interest among Pacific Island Countries to access the EU market. As demand for product safety compliance rises, the training emphasized the importance of health indicator sampling and product safety.

In a parallel effort, the Tuvalu Department of Fisheries welcomed its Competent Authority Technical Officer on August 25th, 2023. This strategic appointment is a crucial step towards achieving Tuvalu’s goal of gaining access to the EU market. The move aligns with the long-discussed interest of Tuvalu’s fishing industry, which consists of Tuvalu-flagged vessels, to expand its market opportunities.

The Competent Authority Technical Officer was officially recruited in June and officially started work on August 25th, 2023. The program is funded by New Zealand under the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme Phase 2 (TFSP2). The recruitment of the Competent Authority Technical Officer is a clear indication of Tuvalu’s commitment to fostering cooperation between the private sector and public enterprises. This collaboration is seen as a vital catalyst for accessing international markets.

The Tuvalu Competent Authority’s establishment is a response to the EU’s stringent regulations, particularly the recently enacted Food Safety (Fishery Products) Regulation 2022. Under EU rules, exporting commodities to its member countries necessitates the establishment of a Competent Authority in the exporting nation to provide official assurance of product safety.

These developments come as international markets increasingly require Competent Authority endorsement for fish and fishery products exported to them, with the EU, China, New Zealand, and even the United States recognizing the importance of Competent Authorities.

The Tuvalu Department of Fisheries has taken proactive steps to strengthen its position in the global marketplace, with the potential to significantly enhance government revenue and, consequently, impact the social and economic well-being of the Tuvalu population.

This ambitious move signifies Tuvalu’s commitment to navigating the complex landscape of international trade while seizing the opportunities that lie ahead. As the country positions itself for EU market access, it opens doors to greater economic stability and prosperity for its people.

Tuvalu Fisheries Laws and Relevant Judgements

Matelina Stuart  Legislation  , ,

Tuvalu-crestLaws, Regulations and other Instruments applying to Fisheries in Tuvalu:

Descriptions & Explanatory Notes:

The legal system and rules in Tuvalu with respect to fishing activities, including fishing laws, fisheries acts, decrees and administrative regulations concerning fishing activities and fisheries, relevant legal provisions on infringements, relevant customs procedures, relevant tax provisions etc.

The Marine Resources Act Revised Edition is the main law dealing with fisheries in Tuvalu – this copy amalgamates the two earlier documents.

The main features of the Revised Act are:

  • Establishing the objective of ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the living marine resources for the benefit of the people of Tuvalu.
  • The Minister responsible for fisheries has the authority for the conservation, management, development and sustainable use of the living marine resources in the EEZ of Tuvalu;
  • The Minister must take into account 15 stated principles and measures in the conservation, management, and development of fisheries;
  • The Minister has the power to administer fisheries and make regulations as needed;
  • The Minister may appoint in writing a fisheries officer and such other officials as needed to discharge fisheries-related functions;
  • The Minister may declare that a fishery important to the national interest is a “designated fishery”;
  • The Fisheries Officer shall prepare a management plan for each designated fishery;
  • Requirements for each fisheries management plan are specified;
  • All vessels engaged in fishing must have a valid/applicable permit or a valid/ applicable license under a multilateral access agreement in accordance with the Act;
  • The transhipment of fish in the Tuvalu EEZ is regulated;
  • The requirements for a Tuvalu fishing vessel operating outside of Tuvalu waters are given.

The Marine Resources Revised Act  implements a number of changes to the principal act which are intended to ensure that Tuvalu’s international, regional and national rights and responsibilities in relation to fisheries conservation, management and development are accommodated. The Amendment significantly increased the level of penalties for various types of offences under the Act.

The two regulations under the Marine Resources Act: the Fisheries (Vessel Monitoring System) Regulations (2000) which require the use of automatic location coordinators by commercial fishing vessels operating in Tuvalu waters; and the Conservation and Management Measures (PNA Third Implementing Arrangement) Regulations 2009 contain provisions for the implementation of a number of measures agreed by PNA and the Vessel Monitoring System Regulation.

In order to implement WCPFC management measures and resolutions, the Fisheries Department has developed a template access agreement as an effective and efficient way of implementing conservation and management measures adopted. This is an appropriate approach in Tuvalu because virtually all the fishing activity affected is conducted by foreign industrial fishing vessels. Domestic small-scale tuna fishing takes place entirely within the territorial sea and is not subject to WCPFC management measures.

The Maritime Zones Act (2012) repealed the earlier Marine Zones (Declaration) Act of 1993 and provides the framework for establishing the following maritime zones in Tuvalu;

  • Declaration of Archipelagic Baselines 2012 (results in an archipelago comprising Nukufetau, Funafuti and Nukulaelae)
  • Declaration of Territorial Sea Baselines 2012
  • Declaration of the Outer Limits of the Territorial Sea 2012
  • Declaration of the Outer Limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone 2012
  • Declaration of the Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf 2012

The Falekaupule Act 1997 (revised 2000), which empowers Kaupule (island councils) to ‘provide for the improvement and control of fishing and related industries in accordance with the Fisheries Act and ‘to prohibit, restrict or regulate the hunting, capture, killing or sale of animals, reptiles, birds or fish in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Act’: and the Funafuti Conservation Area Order (1999), promulgated under the Conservation Areas Act of 1999.

Tuvalu Fisheries Department hosts successful training program to boost marine conservation efforts

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Coastal  , , , ,

Tuvalu – In a significant step towards strengthening marine conservation efforts, the Tuvalu Fisheries Department recently organized an extensive diving training program aimed at equipping 11 local divers, 8 Fisheries officer, 2 officers from the Kaupule Funafuti and an officer from the Marine & Port services Department.

The training program spanned over a week and was conducted in collaboration with seasoned diving instructor and environmental expert, Mr Greg Buxton of Suva Scuba in Fiji.

The training involved theory work in the classroom and at home with a final exam, followed by four days of open-water training beginning in shallow depths and progressing to a final dive at 18 meters on a wreck in the lagoon using the new Fisheries research vessel, Manaui II.

“Fisheries work is essential to Tuvalu’s economy,” the chief instructor of Suva Scuba remarked. To achieve that, it is essential to keep track of the condition of the fish and reefs. SCUBA diving is a crucial monitoring tool, thus it’s crucial that divers receive the right training to keep them safe. He continued, “We hope to continue the training program in the future to broaden the divers’ scope and elevate them to the status of internationally recognized Scientific Divers.”

The LMMA Fisheries Officer, Mr. Lavata Nivaga, said, “I find this scuba diving training interesting. By fusing my passion of the sea with my newly acquired diving abilities, which now directly support the preservation and protection of Tuvalu’s marine ecosystem. He further stated that he hoped to receive advanced scuba training in the future.

The success of the diving training program marks a positive stride in Tuvalu’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and climate change impacts on its vulnerable coastal regions. With these newly trained divers, the island nation is better positioned to survey marine habitats, detect any potential threats, and foster a culture of sustainability among its citizens.

As the training concluded, participants expressed their excitement and determination to apply their newfound knowledge for the betterment of Tuvalu’s marine heritage. The Tuvalu Fisheries Department plans to conduct regular follow-up trainings and continued engagement with the trained divers, ensuring their efforts contribute to the long-term protection of the nation’s marine resources.

INVITATION FOR QUOTATION

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Operations & Development  , , , ,

The TFSP2 project wishes to buy the following sea safety equipment for the Fisheries Grab Bag Programme:

50 ACR ResQlink PLBs

84 Cobra 500 handheld VHF radios

57 Garmin GPS73 Hand Held GPS

For supply by DHL to Funafuti, Tuvalu.

For further information please Click on the provided link to download the attached request for quotes: RFQ – Sea Safety Equipment 2.pdf

Responses before 16.30 on 14th July 2023 please

Tuvalu Fisheries on the move to establish the Tuvalu Fisheries Authority

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , , , , , , ,

In the last three weeks, six fisheries officers visited each of Tuvalu’s outer islands to speak with the local populations about the proposed Tuvalu Fisheries Authority Bill, which would govern the management and future development of the marine resources in our nation.

The Manaui II, a department research vessel, carried the six-person team. The open community gathering with representatives from each island was followed by a session with Kaupule members to report the outcomes and get their opinions. Samasoni Finikaso, the director of fisheries, served as the team’s leader.

More than 60 attendees who spoke at the meetings, representing each of the eight islands, expressed support for the notion of turning the Tuvalu Fisheries Department into an Authority. Additionally, they added their recommendations to the Authority Bill in accordance with the discussion’s records and findings.

Cabinet decided to adopt the Fisheries Authority model after deliberating a High-Level Options Paper (HLOP) on Tuvalu’s future fisheries governance arrangements in January 2022. The proposed Authority’s scope and structure were reviewed by Cabinet in November 2022, and the Ministry was given the go-ahead to start preparing a stand-alone Bill to form the Authority.

A draft of the Bill has been created and sent to Cabinet for review. Cabinet recommended at their meeting in April that a nationwide survey be conducted before submitting this Bill for the July session of Parliament for its first reading.

Application for Tuvalu Fisheries Observers

Matelina Stuart  Oceanic, Vacancies  , , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department will be conducting a 5 weeks Fisheries Observer Basic Training Course from the 02nd October to 03rd November this year, 2023.

Fisheries Observers work aboard commercial fishing vessels, where they are the eyes and ears of our Tuvalu Government.  They collect biological and compliance data that assists scientists, fisheries enforcement officers and economists to provide the advice and support that managers need to make wise decisions on the future use of this important resource.

The work is rewarding and challenging, requiring dedicated, honest and tough individuals, who can work long hours, can be away from home long periods and often in very difficult conditions at sea and can communicate and interact well with different people while at the same time, be considerate and conscious of the sensitivity of the environment they are working in.

Tuvalu Fisheries Department now invites applications from both gender (both Male and Female) Tuvaluan citizens for this up-coming training.

Applicants must meet the following minimal requirements:

  • Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years of Age (minimum age), but not above 45 years (maximum age)
  • Birth Certificate or Passport: Applicants must provide a copy of their Birth Certificate or copy of their passport bio data page to be attached with their application form when submitting.
  • Education: Applicants must have at least completed Form 6 or equivalent to Form 6 level of Education.
  • Academic Confirmation; Applicants must provide a copy of their School certificate or a written and signed document from the Ministry of Education or their former school Principal confirmation their level of Education attained.
  • Police Clearance: Applicants must provide a Police Clearance record to be attached with their application form when submitting.
  • Medical Report: Applicants must provide a Medical Report to be attached with their application form when submitting.
  • Language: English is the Business Language of this profession and thus, it is encourage that applicants must be able to write and speak English to a minimum level of acceptance
  • Citizenship: Must be a Citizen of Tuvalu
  • Applicants who satisfies all application requirements will be notified to sit for a pre-selection or pre-entry exam on the 30th of August, 2023.

Due to limited spaces available, only the top 20 applicants with the highest scores obtained during the pre-selection exam will be invited to attend the Tuvalu Observer Basic training on the 02nd of October, 2023.

N.B: Completion of this course does not lead to full-time employment.  Successful candidates achieving satisfactory results will be awarded a Pacific Island Regional Fisheries Observer (PIRFO) Recognized Certificate that will qualify them to take up contracts with Tuvalu Observer Programme and other Regional and Sub-regional Observer Service Providers.

Tuvalu Fisheries Department currently offers contract for observer services on a trip-by-trip basis.

All applications should be addressed to:

The Director of Tuvalu Fisheries Department

Basic Fisheries Observer Training

Tuvalu Fisheries Department,

Teone, Funafuti

Ph: (688) 20343

Closing Date of Applications is 14th July, 2023

Korea and the Government of Tuvalu have held bilateral talks about ODA projects in Tuvalu

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , , ,

Officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade of the Government of Tuvalu met on June 5th, 2023 on Funafuti with delegations from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea, Korea Rural Community Corporation, Korea Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Center, Coastal and Harbor Engineering Corporation and Korea Overseas Fisheries Association to discussed ODA projects in Tuvalu.

Mr. Jae Young Lee, Director for Distant-Water Fishing Division from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea and his team from Korea reviewed an outline of the ODA project. This includes, building a community center (Fisheries Training Centre), a jetty, store and boatshed for the Tuvalu Fisheries Department and installation of solar panels for the two markets, NAFICOT & FOFA.

Korea gave a detailed presentation (PPT) explaining the 80 meters overall length of the jetty and its straight shape. Small fishing boats will be able to land alongside a new dock area which will be reclaimed. A 19 to 21 meter vessel may dock at this jetty, and more than 50 small fishing vessels can be berthed simultaneously, according to Korea. A hydraulic crane will be mounted on the jetty for loading and unloading of vessels.

Korea also assessed the Fisheries Community Center, which was planned to be constructed of concrete. Korea would implement the design in accordance with Korean construction requirements.

Apart from these discussions they also considered capacity building for Tuvalu Fisheries officers, and the planning of events. Korea inquired about Tuvalu’s intentions to organize an event to promote the ODA project in which responds to climate change and also introducing Korean culture. A large function is planned for October/November to mark the start of the Project.

The team from Korea also had the opportunity to repair and deliver training on operating a new fish smoker and ice machine.
The Korean ODA project will start construction work in early 2024, and is expected to take three years to complete.

The Tuvalu Government sincerely appreciate the generous support and effort made by the Korea for this project and will fully cooperate for the success of the project.

Request for Quotations: Long-term Consultancy on development of a sanitary Competent Authority for the Tuvalu Fisheries Department

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD), implementing the New Zealand funded Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme Phase 2 (TFSP2), is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced consultants to lead the development of a Competent Authority (CA) to allow the export of tuna caught by Tuvalu-registered vessels to the European Union. Download details of the terms of reference by clicking on the link provided: Terms of Reference – CA Consultant

Proposals should be sent by email to michaelb@tuvalufisheries.tv and should reach him by 5.00 p.m. local time (in Tuvalu) on Monday 26th June 2023. Any questions on the proposed consultancy can be sent to the same email address and will be answered within 3 working days.

This request for proposals should not be construed as an offer to any consultant contacted. TFD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to negotiate with any bidder if the original proposal is not acceptable.