Pre-assessment of Seychelles Longline Fishery against MSC Standard — Seychelles Fishing Authority

SEYCHELLES FISHING AUTHORITY Request for Expression of Interest |

Country: |

Seychelles |

Name of Project Implementation: |

Third South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Governance and Shared Growth Project (SWIOFish3) |

Project No. |

P158137 |

Name of Consulting Assignment: |

Marine Stewardship Council Pre-assessment of Seychelles’ Tuna and Swordfish Longline Fishery Over the past 25 years, Seychelles has developed a semi-industrial longline fishery for tuna and swordfish. The fishery initially developed slowly, with 4 to 11 vessels operating, until the last decade, when the Government established a fishery investment fund. In 2020, 35 vessels were active, resulting in a total catch of 1456 MT. Development of the semi-industrial fishery has faced a number of challenges, including export market regulations of heavy metal content, the effects of Somali piracy and depredation by marine mammals of line-hooked fish. The fishery now faces its most significant challenge in that the Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna stock is overfished and subject to overfishing. As a result, the main markets for yellowfin tuna are increasingly raising concerns regarding the sustainability of the Indian Ocean fisheries. To enable the fishery to address this and other challenges, and to transition to best practice for sustainability, stakeholders have expressed an interest in undertaking a pre-assessment against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard. MSC certification is undertaken by Unit of Certification (UoC), which is defined by target species, gear and area; a full certification assessment is conducted by an MSC-authorized conformity assessment body (CAB). In the context of the Seychelles longline fishery targeting tuna and swordfish, a Risk Based Framework (RBF) may be required, which applies to data-poor fisheries in developing countries and entails in-country consultations with local stakeholders over an extended timeframe. The Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) is seeking a qualified, experienced consultancy firm to conduct a MSC pre-assessment of the longline fishery targeting tuna and swordfish. The objectives of the assignment are to: undertake a pre-assessment of the Seychelles longline fishery targeting tuna and swordfish for readiness to comply with the MSC’s Principles and Criteria for certification of sustainability. Deriving from the pre-assessment outcomes, a second objective of this assignment is to outline the scope for a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP). For this assignment, SFA is seeking a consultancy company with the following profile and specific qualifications: • Company profile demonstrating recognized international expertise and at least 7 years of experience in assessing fisheries against the MSC standard and preparing fishery improvement projects; • At least 10 years of company experience in research, monitoring and management of tropical tuna fisheries including the small-scale and semi-industrial sectors; • The Company will comprise key experts holding the following qualifications and experience: • Key expert 1: Master's degree in fisheries science, or equivalent, with at least 10 years of proven experience in assessing fisheries against the MSC standard; • Key expert 2: Master's degree in fisheries science, or equivalent, with at least 10 years of proven experience in ecosystem approaches to fisheries management and/or fisheries monitoring control and surveillance; • Local expertise (key expert) and logistical support (non-key expert) recruited to the team would be advantageous. Application Process SFA is now inviting consultancy firms to indicate their interest in this providing this consultancy service. Expressions of Interest (EOI) shall consist of a cover letter, profile of the company with examples of past related work and curriculum vitae of key experts. The deadline for submission of EOI is Friday 25th June 2021 at 1530hrs and should be clearly marked using the Subject Line ‘‘Marine Stewardship Council Pre-assessment of Seychelles’ Tuna and Swordfish Longline Fishery”. Interested applicants may obtain a full TOR and further details from Meggy Tirant (meggy.tirant@gov.sc) of SWIOFish3. The procurement process will be conducted according to the World Bank guidelines for selection and employment of consultant, Ed 2011 revised July 2014 and the services contracted through the Department of Blue Economy (SWIOFish3 Coordination on behalf of Government). The procurement method is consultant qualification selection (CQS) and shortlisted firm will be requested to prepare technical and financial proposals. EOIs should be delivered by email to: Mr Nichol Elizabeth Chief Executive Officer Seychelles Fishing Authority P.O. Box 449 Fishing Port Mahe Seychelles Email: management@sfa.sc cc: meggy.tirant@gov.sc; vlucas@sfa.sc