Background

The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) have:

• Agreed in principle to amend the PNA 4th Implementing Arrangement to prohibit leaving a FAD buoy to drift unattached to a FAD.
• Agreed to explore the design of a joint programme, with industry, establishing a place or process in major ports for vessel operators to deposit buoys that have been removed from FADs to be taken up by FAD buoy owners or otherwise used.

Objective

The PNA Office seeks consultant services to initiate the design of a joint programme with PNA Members and industry to establish a place or process in major ports where vessel operators could place buoys that they have removed from FADs to be taken up by the owners or otherwise used.

Scope of Work 

The Consultant shall:

1. Review experience regionally and globally with FAD Buoy Recovery.
2. Prepare an outline of an appropriate FAD Buoy Recovery Programme.
3. Consult PNA Members, Vanuatu and potential industry participants, including FAD Service Providers, FAD Buoy operators, and other relevant organisations on the Programme proposal.
4. If appropriate, organise a consultation on the proposal.
5. Report on the progress and outcome of the Consultancy with recommendations.

Effort and Skills

• The consultancy is estimated to require 30 days of work and is to be completed by 31 October 2026.  Travel to Majuro may be required. 
• The Consultant should have at least 5 years’ experience in Pacific Island tuna fisheries, preferably including work experience in PNA Member countries, and including contact with the fishing industry.