ICCAT Regional Observer Programme (ROP) on Bluefin Tuna Vessels and Farms in the Mediterranean 2011/2012

The Programme

The ROP has been designed to monitor fishing and farming activities associated with bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. MRAG and our partners Cofrepeche (http://www.cofrepeche.fr/index.php?page=accueil&lang=fr) are currently seeking suitable observers for the programme. ICCAT observers must be nationals of one of the ICCAT Contracting Parties or Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties (see http://www.iccat.int/en/contracting.htm).

ICCAT observer coverage requirements during 2011:

1. All purse seine vessels >24m fishing for bluefin tuna in the 2011 season (mid-May to mid-June)
2. All transfers of bluefin tuna to bluefin tuna farms (June/July)
3. All bluefin tuna farms harvests (September to February)

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with a proven track record in industrial fisheries, specifically:

• Experience as a fisheries observer in tuna fisheries;
• Experience in other domestic or international fisheries observer/monitoring programmes;
• Participation in research cruises or scientific surveys;
• Previously employed as a fisheries officer; or
• Possessing other practical at-sea fisheries experience.

Candidates with suitable academic and vocational qualifications will also be considered.

Successful candidates must have a Personal Survival Techniques or Basic Sea Survival certificate and a Medical certificate proving they are fit to work at sea, prior to being deployed. These certificates must be the national equivalents of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) (www.imo.org/HumanElement/mainframe.asp?topic_id=486 NOTE: If this link does not work, please copy and paste it into your web browser)  and awarded by an accredited organisation or physician respectively.   
 
 Follow the link for National authorities maintaining registers of certificates and endorsements for advice on where to obtain these certificates:  http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data_id=25367/rptPartyAddresses.pdf NOTE: If this link does not work, please copy and paste it into your web browser 

If you do not currently possess these certificates you will be required to complete the relevant courses before being deployed. Applicants currently without these certificates must demonstrate their plans to obtain these qualifications in their application.

In addition, observers must have no current financial or beneficial interests in the bluefin tuna fishery and must satisfy the terms and conditions of ICCAT's Standards of Conduct and Behaviour for Observers, available here: ICCAT SoC

Observer Responsibilities

On Purse Seiners

Observer deployments on purse seine vessels will be for approximately 5 weeks during which they will be expected to monitor the purse seine vessels' compliance with the relevant conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission. In particular the observers shall:

• Record and report upon the fishing activities carried out;
• Observe and estimate catches and verify entries made in the logbook;
• Issue a daily report of the purse seiner vessels' transfer activities;
• Sight and record vessels which may be fishing in contravention to ICCAT conservation and management measures;
• Record and report upon the transfer activities carried out;
• Verify the position of the vessel when engaged in transfer;
• Observe and estimate products transferred, including through the review of video recordings;
• Verify and record the name of the fishing vessel concerned and its ICCAT number;
• Carry out scientific work such as collecting task II data when required by the Commission, based on the directives from the SCRS.

Deployments will occur from a wide range of different ports.

On Farms

Observer deployments on at farms will be for delivery and harvest operations. The delivery operations are likely to start mid fishing season and completed mid-July. The harvesting operations are specific to each farm. During deployments, observers will be expected to monitor the farm’s compliance with the relevant conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission. In particular the observers shall:

• Verify the data contained in the transfer declaration and caging declaration, including through the review of video records;
• Certify the data contained in the transfer declaration and caging declaration;
• Issue a daily report of the farms' transfer activities;
• Countersign the transfer declaration and caging declaration;
• Carry out such scientific work, for example collecting samples, as required by the Purchaser based on the directives from the Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS);
• Measure the length of all harvested fish.

Upon their return, all observers must submit data and produce an end of trip report summarizing their deployment and observations. Observers will also be expected to provide feedback on training, operational support material and recommendations integral to improve the objectives of the Programme.

Observers will be expected to comply with requirements established in the laws and regulations of the flag State of the vessel or farm and be respectful of cultural and vessel/farm practices.

Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs during deployment will be covered by the project.

Training
Observers will be required to attend a training programme (approximately 5 days) in April covering all aspects of the deployment:

• Health & Safety
• Technical
• Operational

Accommodation and subsistence costs will be met by us.

The cost of providing training including any remuneration will be recovered from individuals who attend the training course and then make themselves unavailable for deployment.

Applications

In order to assess your suitability we would be grateful if you would submit:

• A cover letter stating your interest in the role;
• A 2/3 page (maximum) CV;
• Employer References;
• Copies of academic and vocational certificates; and
• A signed copy of the ICCAT Standards of Conduct and Behaviour for Observers.

Please complete the following: CV template, profile summary, and use the CHECKLIST. The templates and checklist are provided here: CV Template and Checklist

It is imperative that you check that your credentials and availability are compatible with the ROP-BFT.

All applications should be submitted electronically.

What's Next
Please send your application to the address below. Closing date 30th April 2011:

Applications will be screened and suitable candidates will be forwarded to the ICCAT Secretariat for approval. Approved candidates will be notified individually and provided details of training location and dates.