Vacancy Announcement: Manaui II Assistant Engineer

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , , ,

The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade is looking for a suitably qualified applicant to fill the position of Assistant Engineer on the Manaui II. The department is hereby announcing that the position of Assistant Engineer is now open for applications from all eligible citizens. The position is entitled to an annual rate of Level 6 under the Government salary structure for contract appointments.

Further details and job descriptions (JD) for the above vacant position can be obtained from the office of the Fisheries Department or the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade Or Click on the link provided here to download: JD-Assistant-Engineer_Manaui-II.pdf. This position will be on a contract basis for 1 year with the possibility to extend based on the satisfaction of his/her performance during the contract period.

Interested applicants should submit the following:
• Application letter;
• Certified copies of relevant qualifications and certificates;
• Curriculum Vitae – CV.

The application should be addressed to:
• Mr Nikolasi Apinelu
• Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Fisheries and Trade And to be submitted to the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade – Headquarters – HQ – First Floor, North Wing, Government Building, Vaiaku, Funafuti. No later than 4:30 pm Tuesday, 24th of January, 2023.

For further inquiries please call 20-160 or email talas@tuvalufisheries.tv The Terms of References are also available in the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade – HQ

Request for Quotations: Consultancy on Human Resource Development: Extended Period for Proposals

Fetau Latasi  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 Human Resource Development for the Department. Details are provided in the Terms of Reference.

Timing and delivery

It is expected that inputs of around 30-35 working days will be required, over one or, at most, two visits to Tuvalu. It is expected that an international consultant will be required, but proposals that involve a national consultant in a support role will be considered favourably.

Requirements (qualifications and experience)

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

  • Relevant qualifications and experience for providing advice and recommendations on human resource development in the Fisheries sector;
  • Experience of assessing training needs for staff of Fisheries agencies in the Pacific region;
  • Experience of reviewing the staffing structure and job descriptions against the key functional responsibilities of an organisation;
  • 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 Tuesday 28th 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.

Request for Quotations: Laboratory testing for fish samples

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) is establishing a competent authority to carry out the official controls required by the European Union for the export of frozen tuna from Tuvalu flag purse seine fishing vessels. TFD is now seeking quotations from overseas laboratories to carry out testing of samples and has secured funds from the Pacer Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) to meet logistical costs and laboratory fees.

TFD is therefore seeking quotations from laboratories, that are accredited to the ISO17025 standard, to carry out the required programme of tests over the first year of activities. It is expected that samples will be collected during transshipment events in Funafuti, held frozen, and supplied to the laboratory for testing on a quarterly basis. The testing fees will be pre-paid, to cover the full number of tests specified below.

Note that laboratories must use testing methodology approved by the European Union for these parameters.

Services required:

The services required are to test samples of raw frozen tuna, and provide full test results to TFD, over a period of not more than 12 months for the following. Bidders’ responses should include the following table with the columns ‘cost per test’ and ‘total cost’ completed. Note that prices should be specified in Australian Dollars (AUD) and should be valid for tests carried out at any time within 12 months from the date of the quotation. Payment will be made in advance for the agreed programme of tests. TFD may select different bidders for different tests.

Test parameter Cost per test AUD Number of tests req. Total cost AUD
Contaminants
Combination of Dioxins, DL-PCBs, total WHO-TEQ and Indicator PCBs in Fish Tissue by GC-MSMS for EU   6  
PAH4   6  
Histamine   52  
Hg   6  
Pb   6  
Cd   6  
Microbiological hygiene indicators
TVC   30  
coliforms   30  
E.coli   30  
Staph aureus   30  
Total  

 

While this Request for Quotations is primarily concerned with laboratory testing costs, bidders should also specify if they are able to provide any additional services to the programme and at what cost. These may include collection of samples from the nearest international airport, clearance, etc. Otherwise, any preferences/requirements for delivery to the laboratory should be specified.

Instructions to bidders:

Bids to provide the service should be prepared as a PDF document and sent as an email attachment to the Fisheries Adviser, Tuvalu Fisheries Department, at michaelb@tuvalufisheries.tv before 4.00 p.m. local time on 31st January 2023. They will be evaluated by the senior management committee of TFD, and a recommendation made to the PPIU. TFD may recommend purchase of services from more than one provider, depending on the costs of different tests and logistics, and is not obliged to accept any bid received.

25 Funafuti fishing boat owners receive new grab bags and training from TFD

Matelina Stuart  Operations & Development  , , , , ,

Operation & Development officers of the TFD delivered sea safety grab bags to 25 Funafuti fishing boat owners, as well as conducting inspections and refresher training for grab bags on the first day, Monday 28th November. Training on fishing techniques, namely mid-water trolling, was delivered on the second day, Tuesday 29th November this week at the Nanutasi meeting hall.

These 25 fishing boat owners were nominated based on the surveys of active fishermen done by the fisheries officers.

Lealai Bataka, Assistant Fisheries Officer, urged fishermen to recognize the value of these assets to their lives and to Tuvalu as a whole. “As a result, it is essential to keep safety equipment on board every time you go fishing,” he added.

Tianamo Lusia, a Funafuti fisherman, thanked TFD for their assistance in providing these valuable assets and training. He also reminded fishermen to help any boat in distress immediately as he explained an issue faced by one of the fishermen.

More than 40 Funafuti fishermen took part in the grab bag inspection and training. Fishermen with old grab bags also took part in the training, where their grab bags were inspected, and a grab bag refresher course was given to them.

The nominated 25 fishermen, on the other hand, were trained on how to use each piece of equipment in the grab bag as well as new fishing techniques and mid-water trolling methods.

These assistance components are one of TFD’s priority activities under its Corporate Plan 2020-22, which commits to assisting artisanal fishermen, ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources, and, most importantly, improving livelihoods and fishermen’s safety at sea.

TFD Donated canoes for Fetuvalu High School, a fiber glass boat and motor engine for FOFA

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , , , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department handed over 4 canoes to Fetuvalu High School and 1 fiberglass boat with 40 hp outboard motor to FOFA on Wednesday the 16th of November 2022.
The Director of Fisheries, Samasoni Finikaso signed off a handover form confirmation of donations with the two recipients, FOFA CEO, Ioapo Tapu and Fetuvalu High School Principal, Pati Eka. The event took place at the Fetuvalu High School and the FOFA premises. The Manager of the TFSP, Noa Petulei and the Fisheries Advisor, Mike Batty also attended the event.
The Tuvalu Fisheries Support Program Manager, Noa Petueli said, “The TFD would like to assure the public that promoting fisheries throughout the country is a high priority”.
The canoe building was initiated under an FAO project, and TFSP2 took over to make sure that the required number of canoes could be completed. TFSP2 has also funded the building of the first-ever fiberglass boat which was donated to the FOFA along with a 40hp outboard motor to support the FOFA fishing initiatives.

Closed:INVITATION FOR QUOTATION: Freezer room machinery

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Vacancies  , , ,

The TFSP2 project of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department is seeking quotations for the supply of new machinery for a cold room in the NAFICOT fish market. The equipment required is to replace the refrigeration machinery only for one 25 cubic meter freezer room in Funafuti, the main island of Tuvalu. Note that the freezer room is already on-site and installed – we only require new machinery. Details of the quotation can be downloaded here: RFQ – freezer room machinery

Your quotation should be e-mailed to michaelb@tuvalufisheries.tv  and reach the Tuvalu Fisheries Department by the close of business at 1600 hours on the 21st of November 2022. The quotation shall be valid for acceptance for 30 days from the date of submission and quoted price shall remain fixed until delivery is completed.

CLOSED: VACANCY ADVERTISEMENT: MANAUI-II CREW x 3

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , ,

Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade hereby announces that we are recruiting 3 crew to work and operate the Manaui II.

The 3 crews are as follows:

  1. 1x – Engineer at Level-5
  2. 1x – Assistant Engineer at Level-6
  3. 1x – Mate at Level-5

Further details and task descriptions for the above vacancies can be obtained at the office of the Fisheries Department, OR Click on the above vacancies to download them.

These positions will be on a contract basis for 3 months with the possibility to extend based on the satisfaction of their performances during the contract period.

Interested applicants should submit the following:

  • Application letter
  • Certified copies of relevant qualifications and certificates
  • Curriculum Vitae – CV

The application should be addressed to:

  • Mrs Loloma Homasi
  • Acting Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Fisheries and Trade

And to be submitted to the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade – Headquarters – HQ – First Floor, North Wing, Government Building, Vaiaku, Funafuti. No later than 4:30 pm Wednesday, 5th of August, 2022.

For further inquiries please call 20-160 or email lhomasi@gov.tv. The Terms of References are also available in the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade – HQ.

Governance Committee meeting to review progress with the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme Phase 2 Project (TFSP2)

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Uncategorized  , , , , , , , , , , ,

The New Zealand funded Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme Phase 2 (TFSP2), which started in January 2021, recently held its third six-monthly Governance Committee meeting to review the project’s progress. The meeting, between senior officials of the Tuvalu Ministry of Fisheries and Trade and New Zealand’s MFAT, was held by video conference on 10th June.

The meeting noted that there has been quite good progress in a number of areas. These include:

  • Fibreglass boatbuilding – completion of the first fibreglass boat specially designed for safe operation when trolling in the open sea; and completion of ten paddling canoes under a project initiated by FAO.
  • Community fisheries officers, trained and funded by the project, have been at work in each of the 7 outer islands since the start of the year;
  • A shore-based radar system to monitor transhipment in the lagoon has been installed and is fully operational;
  • A sea wall and hard standing on the lagoon side of the Fisheries office have been completed

The programme also supports the position of Fisheries Adviser in Tuvalu and the Inshore Fisheries Adviser who has been working remotely with the Coastal section of the Fisheries Department.

While a number of activities have been delayed to restrictions on travel and supply chain problems during the COVID pandemic, the Committee agreed that project progress is satisfactory.

Director of Fisheries for the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade, Mr Samasoni Finikaso, on behalf of the Government of Tuvalu, thanked his colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for New Zealand’s continuing support to the Fisheries sector in Tuvalu. This will be particularly important in the weeks ahead as the World Bank PROP project comes to an end.

Fisheries launch first locally made fiber glass boat

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Operations & Development  , , ,

Fisheries and Trade officers gathered yesterday at noon to launch its first locally made fibreglass boat.

The program started with speeches from the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Fisheries and Trade, Hon. Minute Taupo and Fisheries Advisor, Mike Batty.  The program continued with a prayer to bless the boat by Rev. Honolulu and followed by the cutting of the ribbon by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Fisheries and Trade, Hon. Minute Taupo and his spouse Mrs Taupo. The program ended with lunch provided.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Fisheries and Trade expressed in his speech how grateful he is for the hard work of fisheries staff in achieving the goal that has been witnessed today. He added, “I really want to thank fisheries staff; it has been witnessed that we not only talk the talk, but we walk the walk”.

This first fibreglass boat was built by a team led by i-Kiribati specialist Derin Pendle, and Tuvaluan boat builder, Iumea Numia. The building of fibreglass boats is funded by the New Zealand TFSP2 project.

The fibreglass boat length is 5.8 meters with a beam of 1.8 m. The design was based on one popular with local fishers and will cater to chasing tuna schools on rough seas. The first fibreglass boat took some time to complete, as it was first necessary to build the mould. The plan is now to build four more boats, which use the same mould and should go more quickly

Fisheries Advisor, Mike Batty stated, that the TFSP will continue to support the Fisheries Department in achieving the objectives of its Corporate Plan which came up with the idea to build fibreglass boats. He added, “This is a durable material and easily repaired, and most of the Pacific Islands use fibreglass for building fishing boats”.

The Fisheries Department, TFSP and FAO will continue to collaborate to complete the building of fibreglass boats and canoes. The FAO canoe project was part of the Country’s strategy to repair the destruction caused by TC Tino.

New M2 radar scanner equipment has been set up for the Tuvalu Fisheries Department

Matelina Stuart  Admin, Oceanic  , , , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department installed its new M2 radar scanner equipment at the TFD office on the 18th of March 2022 to monitor the accessibility of the public on Funafuti island to the transhipment area.

The M2 Radar scanner equipment was set up along the ridge cap of the TFD office with the only intent to protect Tuvalu citizens from getting COVID 19. Four observers have been recruited to support ocean staff in the installation process in recent weeks. The new equipment is controlled and supervised by the Vessel Days Scheme (VDS) and Oceanic Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) officers.

VDS/VMS Senior Fisheries Officer, Scott Pelesala, stated, “The TFD now has appropriate monitoring tools in place to monitor and control the accessibility of members of the public in the vicinity.” He likewise added that on that point would be a high penalty imposed for any violation and that the department will be able to find and photograph images of an object going through the transhipment area’s buffer zone.

This new equipment was part of the Fishery’s main goal for this year’s activities due to Covid 19 mitigation measures where transhipment was moved out of the Funafuti lagoon to an assigned region endorsed by the Tuvalu Government. Working with the U.S.-based non-governmental organization Anthropocene Institute, the Department of Fisheries made an effort and agreed to use a maritime radar observer to monitor the transhipment area.

New Zealand’s Tuvalu Fisheries Support Program supported the idea by funding this new equipment, which cost over 100 thousand dollars.

M2 Radar scanner equipment was tested on the 23rd of March and now it’s up and working.