New Fisheries Project Agreed with New Zealand

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , , , ,

IMG_0260The acting Secretary for Fisheries and Trade, Falasese Tupau, today signed a Grant Funding Agreement with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT) for a major new project – the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme Phase 2 (TFSP 2).

Under the project, NZ MFAT is providing funding to the Government of Tuvalu’s Fisheries Department to support activities that align with their corporate plan for 2020-22. They will provide just over NZD $3.4 million of direct support during the next five years, as well as technical assistance which is paid separately.

The goal of this work is to ensure that Tuvalu derives increased economic and food security benefits from sustainable fisheries that enables its people to lead happy, healthy, productive lives. The expected outcomes include:

o Increased benefits from oceanic fisheries due to sustainable management;

o Improved understanding and commitment to the sustainable management of coastal fisheries;

o An improved enabling environment for fisheries development through investment in the Tuvalu Fisheries Department.

The project builds on a successful first phase of TFSP, as well as New Zealand’s investment in regional fisheries organisations FFA and SPC.

“It is great news that the Project has been agreed before the end of the year. Project activities can now start early in 2021” said Acting Director of Fisheries Tala Simeti. The project will be implemented by the Senior Management Team of the Fisheries Department.

Closed: Expressions of Interest: Tuvalu Translator

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department is seeking an eligible Tuvaluan citizen to indicate his/her interest in undertaking the service of translating the English version of information materials on seafood handling into Tuvalu version.

The document is five 2-page leaflets (including pictures), a total of 2,770 words.

The successful applicant should be fluent in both languages, have some knowledge of terms used in Fisheries, and be able to translate accurately into the Tuvaluan language. He or she will need to have the use of a computer and will provide the translation as a Word document.

Applications by interested persons will be closed on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. Applicants should provide a short letter or email in English explaining why they are suitable for the job, and a price for carrying out the work in Australian Dollars

If you have any questions, and to submit your application, please contact Tuvalu Fisheries Department Office, Teone, Funafuti at phone number: 20343, email: matelinas@tuvalufisheries.tv and copied to michaelb@tuvalufisheries.tv

Expressions of interest: Boatbuilding Trainees for Tuvalu Fisheries Department

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department is recruiting six trainees to work on a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) boat building project here on Funafuti Island.

Successful applicants will work on a project building more than 50 paddling canoes and will learn how to read boat plans and use power tools and modern materials for wooden boat building. Further training in building fibreglass boats may also be provided.

Successful applicants should be available 5 days per week from January to May 2021. There are no wages, but they will be paid a training allowance of $20 AUSD per day.

Applicants must be physically and mentally fit, have basic carpentry skills, and be willing to work and keen to learn.

There will be a short carpentry test to select the best applicants. Male and female are both welcome to apply.

To register your interest OR if you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Vitolia Famasino at Tuvalu Fisheries Department, Teone Funafuti OR email her at, sulueli@gmail.com OR you can reach her at the telephone number, 20 343 during working hours only.

CLOSED: REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: Consultancy for the Design, Drawings, Cost Estimation and Supervision of new buildings for the Tuvalu Fisheries Department

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Tuvalu Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the designing, drawing, cost estimating and supervision of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department – Training Centre and Boatshed with Storeroom to be completed within a year and a half. The consultancy is expected to start as soon as possible.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be downloaded here: http://www.tuvalufisheries.tv/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/TOR.pdf

OR can be obtained from the PROP Office, Fisheries Department, Alapi, Funafuti OR you can email to proptuv@gmail.com / proptuv@tuvalufisheries.tv

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 Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers [insert date of applicable Guidelines edition as per financing agreement] (“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:

1. Required qualifications and experience of the firm;

2. Relevant experience on the assignment requirements justified by the number of completed and successful projects within time;

3. Mandatory requirement outlined in the TOR section 8.

Further information can be obtained at the address above during office hours 0800 to 1600 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form  (in person, or by email) before the close of business on November 23, 2020. All expression of interest must address to Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Trade, Teone, Funafuti or by e-mail: proptuv@gmail.com OR proptuv@tuvalufisheries.tv).

Late expressions will not be considered.

Please note that ONLY those shortlisted will be contacted.

Tuvalu Observers boost their knowledge in electronic reporting

Matelina Stuart  Oceanic  , , , , , ,

DSC_0005 - Copy (4)Over 30 Tuvalu observers were trained in electronic-reporting (e-reporting) utilizing the iFIMS Observer app on tablets last week. Herman Kisokau, a staff member of the iFIMS Inc. from PNG, led the zoom training. The zoom session lasted the full week.

Currently, Tuvalu observers use paper worksheets to gather their data while onboard at work. Their reports can run into hundreds of pages, and it can be difficult to get new workbooks when onboard for a long trip. A tablet can store thousands of pages of data, and these can be downloaded into a database without being scanned and re-typed by office staff.

In response to COVID-19 and containment, which has seen all observers stay onshore, the Tuvalu Department of Fisheries is taking advantage of the opportunity to train observers who have not been trained in this area. This will upgrade their knowledge of how to use this new technology to collect data, instead of utilizing the work book.

Gagati Falaima, Acting Fisheries Observer Coordinator, said: “Once these observers have learned how to use this new app with tablets, they will travel three or four times on their next trip. Any data they collect will be saved on those tablets and used instead of having a workbook.”

This is a great opportunity for Tuvalu observers as they are all present and in the country. These e-reports will enhance their work with this cutting-edge technology, saving paper and time. Observers under the PNA program who use e-reporting will also be paid a small bonus.

Safe fishing and crew employment workshop: Recruitment of Tuvalu sea farer on Tuvalu-flagged seine vessels

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , , , , , ,

IMG_0074Participants of the Office of the Attorney General, Marine Police, Tuvalu Maritime Training Institution TMTI, the Ministry of Labour, Fishing Vessel Agents, Crewing Agents and the Tuvalu Seafarers’ Union (TOSU) with TFD staff held a workshop on safe fishing and crew employment last week on Wednesday.

The workshop focused on the employment of crew on fishing vessels. This is a significant opportunity for Tuvaluans, as jobs in merchant shipping have been slumping recently. However, fishing vessels can be a dangerous and low-paid working environment and the importance of this workshop is to ensure that any jobs are worthwhile and safe.

Staff from the Fish Safety Foundation of the New Zealand (an NGO) were expected to come to Tuvalu and present the workshop materials on safe legal fishing. Because of COVID-19, it was not possible and the Department of Fisheries was asked to organize the workshop.

The workshop was moderated by TFD staff Mike Batty, Fisheries Adviser and Isala Tito Isala, Fisheries Legal Adviser. They combined Fish Safety Foundation materials with an update on national crewing policies and regulations.

The government is committed to promoting work opportunities on fishing vessels. New provisions for Tuvalu-flagged purse seine vessels will create 30 jobs for Tuvaluan crew in 2021. There are new incentives for foreign flag purse seiners to hire Tuvaluans; and there are also pilot schemes in Australia and New Zealand. The new policy and regulation lay down the conditions for employment to ensure that crew are paid a reasonable wage and are properly cared for by the employer.

Mike Batty, Fisheries Adviser, said, “The workshop went well with good discussion on the merits of Tuvalu joining a number of international agreements on standards for fishing crew. There was a lot of interest in the opportunities for employment, but it is good that we approach these from a starting point of ensuring safe and worthwhile jobs”.

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department would like to thank the Fish Safety Foundation for meeting the costs of lunch and refreshments for the workshop, as well as providing very useful information and materials for the presentations.

Tuvalu Fisheries goes further with National Observer Programme train the trainer.

Matelina Stuart  Oceanic  , , , , ,

IMG_0039Tuvalu Technical Adviser on the Observer Programme, Manoi Kutan and Gagati Falaima, Acting Coordinator of Observers, have been working to strengthen the National Observer Programme through a train the trainer programme with lead assessors. The introduction to the training was held last week.

The National Observer Program in Tuvalu TVNOP has over 70 observers but does not have national observer trainers to provide training for observers in the country. Therefore, these trainee trainers have been identified to learn how to carry out this training. The program provides one-time training only.

The course of study is an innovation in that it combines the University of the South Pacific Certificate IV in training and evaluation with the certified Pacific Islands Regional Fisheries Observer Trainer training.

Manoi Kutan, Tuvalu Fisheries Technical Advisor for Observers, said: “The training will make it possible for candidates to continue their training by participating in sub-regional training for certified trainers. They will require six attachments (on-the-job-training) as required under PIRFO Trainer certification requirement before they can be certified as PRIRFO trainers.”

This train-the-trainer programme is one of the professional paths of the observer programme. When qualified, these trainers will also be able to train other Pacific Islanders in other countries.

New Zealand continue it support to TFD

Matelina Stuart  Admin  , , , , ,

TFSP meetingThe Tuvalu Fisheries Department  TFD Senior Management staff and other stakeholders held a video conference with the design consultants for the next phase of New Zealand support for the fisheries sector. The consultants are Ian Cartwright in Tasmania and Kirsty Burnett in Wellington. Participants from other agencies were from the Ministry of Finance (The Planning and Budget Unit), Tuvalu Maritime Training Institute, the PROP Project, NAFICOT, NZ MFAT Aid Programme and the President of the Fishermen on Funafuti Association FOFA. Mr Falasese Tupau, Acting CEO of the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade chaired the meeting.

The main purpose of the video conference/meeting was to brief participants on the design of the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme TFSP Phase 2 and take on board any feedback. The project has been approved in principle by NZ MFAT, and this meeting was held to help finalise the design document of the second phase of this Project, which is in line with the Tuvalu Fisheries Corporate Plan 2020 – 2022 priority objectives. The video conference held at the Sir Tomasi Puapua Convention Centre yesterday the 20th October 2020.

The New Zealand Aid Programme has provided support to the Fisheries sector in Tuvalu for the past five years through the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme TFSP (Phase 1). This has included the construction of the new TFD office at Teone, a range of equipment and short consultancies and technical advisers. The new project will build on the success of phase 1, but with more focus on developing fishing activities and increasing fish supplies in Tuvalu.

It is planned that the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade MFAT will sign a grant funding arrangement with Tuvalu for the new 5-year project this year in December, with project activities starting at the beginning of 2021.

Closed: Application for Fisheries Observers

Matelina Stuart  Vacancies  , , , ,

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department will be conducting a 5 weeks Fisheries Observer Basic Training Course starting on the 23rd of November this year, 2020 and are now inviting applications from interested Tuvalu citizens.

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 genders (both Male and Female) Tuvalu 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 biodata 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.
  • Physical Fitness: Applicants must be fit and have no medical condition that may cause problems in the job; successful applicants will need to undergo a medical examination before they are confirmed for the course. A Medical Certificate will be required from successful applicants once he or she has been selected to attend the training.
  • Language: English is the Business Language of this profession and thus, it is encouraging that applicants must be able to write and speak English to a minimum level of acceptance
  • Citizenship: Must be a Citizen of Tuvalu

* When submitting an application, applicants must ensure that they have attached the following documents:

  1. The application form itself
  2. Police clearance certificate or document
  3. Birth Certificate or Passport Bio Data Page (photo page)
  4. Form 6 certificate or written and signed document confirming the level of Education attained. Page 2 of 2

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 a contract for observer services on a trip-by-trip basis.

Venue:

  • All applicants must be physically present in Funafuti to await confirmation of their applications.
  • Entry test will only be conducted in Funafuti on the 18th November, the week after the closing date for all successful applicants.
  • Selected applicants will then be invited to attend the PIRFO Observer Basic Training starting on the 23rd November 2020.

Application Forms can be collected at Tuvalu Fisheries Department Office at Teone, Funafuti on working hours only OR you can download it here: http://www.tuvalufisheries.tv/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/OBSERVER-APPLICATION-FORM.pdf

All applications should be addressed to: The Director of Fisheries Tuvalu Fisheries Department, “Fisheries Basic Observer Training” Teone, FUNAFUTI Tuvalu For further enquiries, contact Ph: 20343

Closing Date of Applications is 13th November 2020 at 4 pm

Closed: Extension of Deadline for Applications: Request for Expressions of Interest: National Consultant – Operation and Development

Matelina Stuart  Operations & Development, Vacancies  , ,

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

The consulting services (“the Services”) include overseeing the effective implementation of the Operation and Development Section of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department, manage and coordinate  the operations of the Manaui and Tala Moana vessels, provide accurate information, analysis and advice on fisheries operations issues, provide oversight and inputs in training development of the section and other activities. The consultant is expected to work outside hours if the need arises. The position is expected to be filled by the end of the month.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following link: http://www.tuvalufisheries.tv/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/National-Consultant-Operation-and-Development-TOR-2-2.pdf

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, official copies of certificates and transcripts 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:

  • Qualifications
  • Relevant experiences
  • Skills and Abilities

The attention of interested Consultants (including firms) is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011 edition)

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with Section V of the Consultant Guidelines. Firms expressing interest and proposing the name of an individual for the assignment should take note of paragraph 5.5 of the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information can be obtained from this address: PROP, Fisheries Department, Alapi, Funafuti or send an email to: proptuv@gmail.com OR proptuv@tuvalufisheries.tv above during office hours from 0800 to 1600 hours.

Expressions of interest must be addressed to: Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Trade, Teone, Funafuti and be delivered in a written form to the same address (in person, or by e-mail: proptuv@gmail.com OR proptuv@tuvalufisheries.tv) before/by October 14th, 2020.