Stock assessment update — Seychelles Fishing Authority

SEYCHELLES FISHING AUTHORITY Terms of Reference for an Individual Consultant |

Country: |

Seychelles |

Name of Project Implementation: |

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

Project No. |

P155642 |

Name of Consulting Assignment: |

Assessing Key Fish Stocks of Seychelles’ Artisanal Trap and Line Fishery The Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) supported stakeholders in developing the Mahé Plateau Trap and Line Fishery Co-management Plan (the ‘Plan’), which was gazetted for implementation in early 2020. Development of the Plan was informed by the results of several assessment methods, including a risk assessment to identify species that were most vulnerable to fishing, standardization of catch-per-unit-effort as an index of abundance, and the application of the catch only method and surplus production models to estimate biomass and maximum sustainable yield. The Implementation Committee for the Plan recognize the need to undertake a new assessment to inform specification of management measures. The assignment will focus on updating the standardized CPUE series for key species/species groups to incorporate additional predictor variables, and will carry out stock assessments using applicable methods to derive estimates of biomass and biological reference points for estimation of stock status. SFA have also recognised the potential for exploring an age-structured biomass dynamic model for the most important species of the fishery (Lutjanus sebae) using a time series of size data and age-length key. SFA are now seeking an individual consultant to undertake these assessments. The objectives of the assignment are to: • Derive abundance indices for key species or species groups through standardisation of CPUE data; • Determine the status of stocks for key species or species groups using applicable stock assessment methods; • Determine the status of Lutjanus sebae through an age-structured stock assessment model, and • Mentor staff selected by SFA in undertaking CPUE standardisation and stock assessments. For this assignment, SFA is seeking a consultant with the following profile and specific qualifications: • A Master’s degree or higher in fisheries science or related discipline • At least 10-years of proven professional experience in working with fisheries data and conducting stock assessment using a range of methods, including data-poor methods • Proven experience with regards to the artisanal fisheries sector in Seychelles is an added advantage • Proficient in R or similar language • Ability to teach and mentor understudy to transfer knowledge in undertaking such assignments • Full proficiency in written and oral communication in English is a requirement Application Process The Seychelles Fishing Authority is now inviting Individual consultants to indicate their interest in this assignment. Expressions of Interest (EOI) shall consist of a cover letter and curriculum vitae. The deadline for submission of EOI is Tuesday 28th December 2020 at 1530hrs and should be clearly marked using the Subject Line ‘‘Assessing Key Fish Stocks of Seychelles’ Artisanal Trap and Line Fishery”. Interested applicants may obtain further details from Meggy Tirant (meggy.tirant@gov.sc). Firms or Academic institution can nominate qualified individual consultant for this assignment. The procurement process will be conducted according to the World Bank’s procedures and using ‘Selection based on Individual Consultant procurement method. 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