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.

Vacancy: Funafuti data collector for the Tuvalu Fisheries Department (19-26th May 2023)

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , , , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department is inviting suitably qualified young men and women of a minimum age of 18 years to fill the vacant position of Outer Island Data Collectors (OIDCs) for the islands of FUNAFUTI.

Applicants must be physically and mentally fit and should be a permanent resident of the island of Funafuti, as the selection will be island-based. The objective of the recruitment is to create a team of data collectors to collect information on fishing activities and catches on the islands of Tuvalu on behalf of the Fisheries Department.

Scope of Work

Each data collector will be responsible for organizing his/her time to interview fishermen, collect data and properly measure and weigh all fishes caught and landed by fishermen in sample landings. All data collected will be transmitted to the Tuvalu Fisheries Department by hard copy.

Data Collectors are under the supervision of the Principal Fisheries Officer (PFO): Coastal Fisheries and Senior Fisheries Officer (SFO): Management (Outer Islands) and their responsibilities will include:

  • Carrying out regular data collections of all fisheries activities being undertaken on the Funafuti island through meeting fishers as they land their catch, and recording all data required in English or/and Tuvaluan;
  • Undertaking training in Funafuti as may be required by the PFO or SFO;
  • Maintain all equipment and report losses, or breakages immediately with minimal disruptions;
  • Undertake regular self-training using books, electronic or other sources to learn the scientific names of all fished resources, continuously improving personal knowledge as time goes on;
  • Carefully maintaining all data collected, checking them, ensuring they are complete, storing them safely and submitted them to the TFD;
  • Attending meetings with fishers, the Kaupule, Falekaupule or community held by Coastal staff on Funafuti during awareness and community reach out programs;
  • Assisting with logistics and surveys being carried out by Coastal Staff during their regular metronome trips;
  • Carrying out any other fisheries-related tasks as may be assigned by the PFO or SFO.
  • Attend to the office on a weekly basis every Friday to assist on Data entry and other relevant data related office work.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Applicants are required to have reached Form 4 level from a recognized secondary school;
  • The ability and willingness to organize sampling schedules within the work time allocated, and efficiently gather data from fisher’s landing their catches at night or very early morning;
  • Willingness to continuously improve their ability to scientifically identify all fished species and do on-going work;
  • Possess outstanding data collection skills to ensure data are accurate and fully recorded;
  • Good inter-personal communication skills;
  • Good command of written English and the ability to translate Tuvaluan on-the-fly to English for recording responses on the datasheets;
  • Ability to meet deadlines; and,
  • Any kind of tertiary qualification in science, especially biology, previous work-experience in any type of data collection, particularly in a fisheries-related field is an advantage.

Detailed terms of reference of these positions, remuneration package and other relevant information are available for collection at the Coastal Management Unit of the Fisheries Department Office or by sending an email to  samf@tuvalufisheries.tv; 

All applications are required to be addressed to the Director of Fisheries, Tuvalu Fisheries Department, Teone, Funafuti before 4:00pm on 26th May, 2023 by either hard copy or email to samf@tuvalufisheries.tv; before the closing date and time mentioned.

Application Checklist

Please ensure you attach all the following information as your application:

  • Application cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the post
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) including the following headings:
    • Name, Expertise, Nationality, Address & contacts
    • Qualifications: highest school, certificates and other
    • Languages and level of proficiency (Native, Excellent, Good, Basic)
    • Affiliations if any (e.g. membership to associations, NGOs)
    • Countries of work experience, if any
    • Employment history, including past job and projects
    • Names of 2-3 referees
  • Transcripts of Education, Qualifications, Certificates, etc.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: PROPER Operational Manual – Consultant

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department has received an advance financing from the World Bank/International Development Association (WB/IDA) for the preparation of the second phase of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) which will be called the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program for Economic Resilience (PROPER), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include an Individual Consultant to prepare and develop the PROPER – Project Operational Manual (POM). The duration of the assignment is 30 days over a 3 months period during the project’s preparatory phase. The objective of the consultancy is to develop a POM for the PROPER project in close consultation with key stakeholders; the TFD, the Tuvalu Central Project Management Office (CPMO) and WB. A lump-sum contract will be signed with the successful consultant with payment against deliverables.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be accessed at the following link: Terms of Reference: PROPER Operational Manual – Consultant

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department now invites eligible individuals (“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 (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.). Firms’ staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process. The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

  • A post-graduate degree in relevant discipline:- management, organizational development, law, finance, or business administration;
  • At least 10 years in recent and relevant project management assignments, preferably for WB projects;
  • A minimum of 5 years working on donor funded project in the Pacific region
  • Possess experience in the development of POMs for WB projects;
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English.

The attention of interested Consultants (including firms) is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers 2020 (“the Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Further information can be obtained at the Tuvalu Fisheries Department Office, Teone, Funafuti during office hours i.e. 0830 to 1630 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by April 17, 2023.

Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD)
Attn: Mr. Samasoni Finikaso; Director of TFD
Teone, Funafuti,
Tuvalu Tel: +688 20348
E-mail: proptuv@gmail.com

20 Participants received certificates in tuna processing and sea safety training

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Operations & Development, Uncategorized  , , , , , ,

Twenty people, including men and women, received training on tuna processing and sea safety over the course of the last two weeks at Teone.

The aim of the tuna processing training was to minimize waste fish by using all the offcuts, etc., to make delicious products. This was hosted by NAFICOT and used their facilities.

The sea safety training showed local fishermen some ways they might increase their chances of survival if they were lost at sea. This was based at the Fisheries Department office.

Kelvin Passfield, a consultant from Rarotonga, led the training with help from Laitailiu Seono, a local consultant, and Vitolia Famasino, the FAO project officer.

The first week of the training consisted of practical hands-on instruction for 14 persons in the preparation of tuna samosas, tuna bacon, tuna jerky, tuna burgers and tuna sausages. “There are numerous ways to enhance the flavor of tuna while reducing waste” according to Kelvin Passfield.

Six fishermen received training on sea safety, including how to rig a sail so that a boat can be sailed back to the island in case of engine failure. “By being well-prepared and bringing along a few extra goods in your boat, you can increase your chances of survival if you become lost at sea.” Kelvin said. He continued by expressing his admiration for everyone’s passion and how much he enjoyed teaching them. He encouraged participants to share what they had learned with others.

One of the participants acknowledged Mr. Kelvin for presenting this information, which they believe to be crucial given that Tuvalu relies primarily on marine resources for its food supply and the high cost of imported foods. And, of course, they are eager to have more of these training events with new ideas in the future.

The FAO FishFAD Project managed and funded the tuna processing and marine safety training with support from TFD staff.

TFD and a delegation from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea discussed matters of mutual interest

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Uncategorized  , ,

The Minister of Fisheries and Trade and TFD senior officials met yesterday at TFD conference room with the Deputy Minister of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Tuvalu, resident in Suva. The discussions covered a range of areas for cooperation between Tuvalu and Korea on fisheries issues.

The team comprised of H.E. Mr. Young-kyu Park, Ambassador, and his delegation from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (in Suva), and Mr. Myeongdal Song, Deputy Minister, and his delegation from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. They arrived in Tuvalu to discuss face-to-face the TFD’s primary objectives for the development of the fishery. Korea has recently approved a large community fisheries project, including the installation of solar panels for the NAFICOT and FOFA fish markets as well as the construction of the TFD training facility, storehouse, boat storage, and the fisheries dock.

The project will provide grant aid funding of US$5 million.

“A large vote of thanks to the Korean Government for their support and will look forward to additional initiatives with Korea in the future,” the director of fisheries, Samasoni Finikaso, said.

Korea is currently concentrating its help on Pacific Rim nations. Tuvalu is the first Pacific nation to make a successful request for funding of a large fisheries project of this type.

Application for Nukufetau Data Collector for the Tuvalu Fisheries Department

Matelina Stuart  Coastal, Vacancies  , , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department is inviting suitably qualified young persons of a minimum age of 18 years to fill the vacant position of Outer Island Data Collectors (OIDCs) for the islands of NUKUFETAU.

Applicants must be physically and mentally fit and should be a permanent resident of the island of Nukufetau, as the selection will be island-based. The objective of the recruitment is to create a team of data collectors to collect information on fishing activities and catches on the islands of Tuvalu on behalf of the Fisheries Department.

Scope of Work

Each data collector will be responsible for organizing his/her time to interview fishermen, collect data and properly measure and weigh all fishes caught and landed by fishermen in sample landings. All data collected will be transmitted to the Tuvalu Fisheries Department by hard copy on each trip of the 1] islands shipping services and where possible electronically.

Data Collectors are under the supervision of the Principal Fisheries Officer (PFO): Coastal Fisheries and Senior Fisheries Officer (SFO): Management (Outer Islands) and their responsibilities will include:

  • Carrying out regular data collections of all fisheries activities being undertaken on the assigned island through meeting fishers as they land their catch, and recording all data required in English or/and Tuvaluan.
  • Undertaking training in Funafuti as may be required by the PFO or SFO.
  • Maintain all equipment and report losses, or breakages immediately with minimal disruptions.
  • Undertake regular self-training using books, electronic or other sources to learn the scientific names of all fished resources, continuously improving personal knowledge as time goes on.
  • Carefully maintaining all data collected, checking them, ensuring they are complete, storing them safely and sending them to Funafuti with each vessel trip to the island.
  • Attending meetings with fishers, the Kaupule, Falekaupule or community held by Coastal staff from Funafuti during their regular metronome trips.
  • Assisting with logistics and surveys being carried out by Coastal Staff during their regular metronome trips.
  • Carrying out any other fisheries-related tasks as may be assigned by the PFO or SFO. Qualifications & Experience
  • Applicants are required to have reached Form 4 level from a recognized secondary school.
  • The ability and willingness to organize sampling schedules within the work time allocated, and efficiently gather data from fisher’s landing their catches at night or very early morning.
  • Willingness to continuously improve their ability to scientifically identify all fished species and do on-going work.
  • Possess outstanding data collection skills to ensure data are accurate and fully recorded.
  • Good inter-personal communication skills.
  • Good command of written English and the ability to translate Tuvaluan on-the-fly to English for recording responses on the datasheets.
  • Ability to meet deadlines; and
  • Any kind of tertiary qualification in science, especially biology, previous work-experience in any type of data collection, particularly in a fisheries-related field is an advantage.

Detailed terms of reference of these positions, remuneration package and other relevant information are available for collection at the Coastal Management Unit of the Fisheries Department Office or by sending an email to samfinikaso70@gmail.com.

All applications are required to be addressed to the Director of Fisheries, Tuvalu Fisheries Department, Teone, Funafuti before 4:00pm on 26th January 2023 by either hard copy or email to samfinikaso70@gmail.com before the closing date and time.

Application Checklist

Please ensure you attach all the following information as your application:

  • Application cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the post.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) including the following headings:

o Name, Expertise, Nationality, Address & contacts

o Qualifications: highest school, certificates and other

o Languages and level of proficiency (Native, Excellent, Good, Basic)

o Affiliations if any (e.g., membership to associations, NGOs) o Countries of work experience, if any

o Employment history, including past job and projects

o Names of 2-3 referees

  • Transcripts of Education, Qualifications, Certificates, etc.

Request for Quotations: Condition survey and maintenance plan for Fisheries vessels

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Vacancies  , , , , , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD), implementing the New Zealand-funded Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme Phase 2 (TFSP2), is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced consultants to advise on the condition and maintenance of two small GRP vessels operated by the Department. Details for the Terms of Reference for technical assistance can be downloaded here, Terms of Reference for Technical Assistance

Timing and delivery

It is expected that inputs of around 15-20 working days will be required, over one visit to Tuvalu. It is expected that an international consultant will be required, working closely with relevant staff of the Department.

Requirements (qualifications and experience)

Proposals will be assessed against the following criteria by the senior management committee of the TFD:

  • Relevant qualifications and experience in marine engineering and vessel survey;
  • Experience in assessing the condition of small vessels (15-20 meters overall length) operating in the Pacific Islands regions;
  • Experience in planning repairs and maintenance – both for immediate repair requirements and putting in place a long term maintenance plan and facilities to ensure reliable and safe operations;
  • Value for money.

Submission of proposals

Interested consultants should submit the following information in support of their proposal:

  1. Confirmation of the dates on which they will be available;
  2. A brief proposal addressing the requirements listed above and an outline of the methodology they will use to approach the assignment;
  3. A brief curriculum vitae of the consultant(s);
  4. A cost estimate providing fees (daily rate and total) and any incidental costs. A lump sum contract in Australian Dollars, with payment based on deliverables, is preferred.

Proposals should be sent by email to michaelb@tuvalufisheries.tv and should reach him by 5.00 p.m. local time (in Tuvalu) on Wednesday 15th February 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.