Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project: Consulting services to conduct an independent fish stocks assessment in the Liberian coastal waters for NaFAA

Project ID: P172012

Project Title: Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project

Borrower Bid Reference: LR-NAFAA-201399-CS-QCBS

Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP)  

National Fisheries & Aquaculture Authority

P. O. Box 10-1384

United Nations Drive, Bushrod Island

1000 MONROVIA 10, LIBERIA

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION INTEREST

                                                                  (REOI)

Preparation Advance No. IDA V3100

PROJECT ID: P172012

Subject: Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) Consulting services to conduct an independent fish stocks assessment in the Liberian coastal waters for NaFAA

Reference No.: LR-NAFAA-201399-CS-QCBS

Assignment Title:  Recruitment of a Firm to Conduct an Independent Fish Stock Assessment in Liberian Coastal Waters on behalf of NaFAA

The government of Liberia through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has received support from the World Bank Group toward the preparation and implementation of the, “Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP)”, and intends to apply part of these funds to contract a research vessel to assess its coastal pelagic   and demersal fish resources.  The results of the assessment will inform management decision for their sustainable exploitation and to attract investment into the sector.

The study will survey demersal fish resources with an emphasis on shrimps and pelagic resources of the continental shelf of Liberia to determine the distribution and abundance of fish resources within the EEZ. In addition to determining distribution and abundance of demersal, pelagic and shrimp resources and related communities, and collecting biological samples as specified below, sampling will be carried out to determine physical, chemical and biological conditions, sampling of micro plastics and recording the occurrence of marine debris.  Data will also be collected, and recorded, of sedentary and mobile benthos.

Specific objectives and scope of the assessment will include but not be limited to the following:

• Hydrography of the continental shelf
  • Mapping of sea temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, nutrients, pH and measurements of ocean currents).
  • Measurement of dissolved oxygen concentrations, ocean acidification and the calcium carbonate saturation horizon relevant for calcifying organisms.

• Primary productivity, zooplankton, ichthyoplankton and jellyfish

• Determination of primary productivity, phytoplankton abundance and distribution.
  • Determination of the abundance and biomass patterns of meso-zooplankton communities and their species composition.
  • Provision of the patterns of abundance of fish eggs and larvae to the lowest possible taxonomic level.

• Pelagic resources

• Map the distribution and estimate the abundance of pelagic resources using acoustic methods and trawling for target identification.
• Obtain information on maturity of Sardinella aurita, Sardinella maderensis, Scomber colias and Trachuru trecae at the time of the survey.

• Map the occurrence of microplastics and describe associated neustonic communities.
• Record the occurrence of debris collected by surface and bottom trawls.

• Demersal resources 

• Determine the distribution and estimate abundance of demersal resources, especially of shrimps using the swept-area method
• Measurement of biological parameters for priority species (length, weight, gonad stage and weight; collection of otoliths for selected species).
• Identification of spawning/nursery areas

Table 1: Species to consider for full assessment

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) now invites eligible research firms to indicate their interest in performing the Services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brief corporate profile, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.), and capacity to mobilize a research vessel for the trawl survey.

The shortlisting criteria includes the following qualifications: 

Qualification Requirements and Composition of Stock Assessment Team:

The prospective contractor must have satisfactory knowledge and experience in the conduct of independent fisheries resource stock assessment and follow the guidelines in the TOR; the proposed scientists and technicians must have experience in assessment of multi-species tropical fisheries and species.  The consultant must possess or be capable of accessing a research vessel equipped with the relevant, standardized research equipment or demonstrate that a suitable charter vessel can be arranged.  The firm must have a proven record of having conducted similar exercises in a similar environment and fisheries in the relevant region; and must provide all required specialists and equipment for performing the duties outlined in this TOR. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following websites: 

a) www.nafaa.gov.lr

b) www.emansion.gov.lr

c) www.moa.gov.lr

The attention of interested Consulting Firm is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated July 2016, revised November 2017, and August 2018, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Please refer to paragraph 3.17 of the Procurement Regulations on conflict of interest related to this assignment which is available on the Bank’s website at http://projectsbeta.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/brief/procurement-newframework .

A Consultancy Firm will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection Method (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e. 0900 to 1600 hours GMT.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by Tuesday July 6, 2021 @ 4:00PM GMT

Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP)

Attn: The Project Coordinator

Mesurado Pier, Freeport of Monrovia

Monrovia, Liberia

Tel: +231777823890/0770532901

E-mail: ysubah@nafaa.gov.lr ,

Cc: kpelewahj100@gmail.com , sgmaakundu@nafaa.gov.lr

CONTACT INFORMATION
Organization/Department National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority
Name Yevewuo Z. Subah
Address United Nations Drive Bushrod Island Montserrado 1000-10
City 
Province/State Liberia
Postal Code 
Country Liberia
Phone +231777823890
Email ysubah@nafaa.gov.lr
Website http://www.nafaa.gov.lr