COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE POUR LA
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ATLANTIC TUNAS
COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE POUR LA
CONSERVATION DES THONIDES DE L’ATLANTIQUE
COMISIÓN INTERNACIONAL PARA LA CONSERVACIÓN DEL ATÚN ATLÁNTICO
Madrid, a 10 de octubre de 0000
XXXXXXXX XXXXX # 00000 / 2023
ASUNTO: CONVOCATORIA DE OFERTAS – TÉRMINOS DE REFERENCIA – ANÁLISIS PREVIO AL TALLER EN PREPARACIÓN DEL SEGUNDO TALLER DE ICCAT SOBRE ECORREGIONES
ICCAT se ha comprometido a poner en funcionamiento el enfoque ecosistémico de la ordenación pesquera (EAFM) de acuerdo con las normas acordadas internacionalmente. La puesta en funcionamiento del EAFM requiere la identificación de una extensión espacial dentro de la cual se puedan caracterizar, supervisar y comunicar los diferentes ecosistemas. En consecuencia, desde 2019 el Subcomité de ecosistemas y captura fortuita del SCRS ha estado desarrollando un proceso para avanzar en la identificación de regiones ecológicamente significativas (ecorregiones) dentro de la zona del Convenio de ICCAT, pero lo suficientemente grandes como para ser utilizadas como marco espacial para apoyar el desarrollo de herramientas y productos para guiar la puesta en funcionamiento del EAFM.
El proceso de ecorregión del SCRS de ICCAT, incluido el proyecto de propuesta de ocho ecorregiones, derivó del primer taller de ICCAT sobre ecorregiones celebrado en 2022. En abril de 2024 provisionalmente se celebrará un segundo taller de ICCAT sobre ecorregiones para perfeccionar el proceso que guiará la delimitación de las ecorregiones, basándose en el asesoramiento de los expertos y en los comentarios recibidos durante el primer taller de ICCAT.
El principal objetivo de esta convocatoria de ofertas es apoyar los trabajos preparatorios previos al segundo taller sobre ecorregiones. En concreto, este trabajo preparatorio previo al taller perfeccionará el proceso de delimitación de las ecorregiones teniendo en cuenta el asesoramiento de los expertos y los comentarios recibidos en el primer taller sobre ecorregiones, y también preparará un proyecto perfeccionado de propuesta de ecorregiones en la zona del Convenio de ICCAT. Este trabajo se presentará durante el segundo taller sobre ecorregiones para aportar información al debate abierto y el feedback para perfeccionar el proceso de delimitación de las ecorregiones en ICCAT.
Por tanto, ICCAT quisiera solicitar propuestas para dicho trabajo, que se desarrollará de conformidad con los términos de referencia adjuntos a esta carta. La oferta detallada se enviará únicamente a la atención del Xx. Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, secretario ejecutivo de ICCAT, y con copia a la Xxx. Xxx Xxxxxxxx, a las siguientes direcciones: xxxxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxx.xxx y xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx, a más tardar el 20 de octubre de 2023 (12:00 h, hora de Madrid).
Le agradezco que distribuya esta convocatoria de ofertas entre las personas cualificadas que puedan estar interesadas.
Le saluda atentamente,
Secretario ejecutivo
Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Corazón de María, 8 – 28002 MADRID – Spain, Espagne, España – Tel: x00 00 000 00 00 – Fax x00 00 000 00 00 – xxx.xxxxx.xxx - xxxx@xxxxx.xxx
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Distribución:
− Cargos de la Comisión:
Presidente de la Comisión: | X. Xxxxx Lado | Presidente del COC: | X. Xxxxxxxx |
Primera vicepresidenta: | X. Xxxxxxxx | Presidente GTP: | X. Xxxxxx |
Segundo vicepresidente: | X. Xxxxx | Presidenta del STACFAD: | X. Xxxxxx-Xxxxxx |
Presidentes Subcomisiones 1 a 4 | Presidente del SCRS: | X. Xxxxx |
− Jefes de delegación/Jefes científicos
− Partes, Entidades o Entidades pesqueras no contratantes colaboradoras Documentación adjunta: Convocatoria de ofertas - Términos de referencia (sólo en inglés).
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Terms of Reference
Pre-workshop analysis in preparation for the Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop
1. Background and Objectives
During the last 20 years there has been an emergence of tools to support the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach Fisheries Management (EAFM) (Xxxxx et al., 2016; Xxxxx & Link, 2023). Multiple tools varying in complexity and with different degrees of data requirements and resources have been developed and are now being tested to better incorporate bycatch, climate and ecosystem information into the fisheries management decision-making process (Link, 2010; Xxxxx et al., 2016; Xxxxxx et al., 2022). These advances are allowing managers to identify trade-offs when attempting to achieve multiple objectives, since failure to consider trade-offs can lead to unintended management outcomes, unrealistic expectations and further degradation of marine ecosystems. These tools to inform the implementation of the EAFM are diverse and may include the development and use: (1) ecoregion, a planning tool that provides a spatial framework for supporting regional ecosystem-based research and ecosystem products, (2) ecosystem risk assessments to identify the ecological, social and economic risks derived from the fishing and climate change impacts, (3) ecosystem modelling to understand and evaluate past, present and future possible future effects of environmental, climate and fishing effects of fisheries on the ecosystem, (4) indicator-based ecosystem report cards to provide a succinct evidence-based narrative of the state of the ecosystem using trends and status of top indicators that best represent the effects of environmental, climate and fishing effects on multiple ecosystem components, (5) ecosystem-based management strategy evaluation (MSE) to evaluate the potential outcomes of alternative management actions that account for environmental, climate and ecosystems considerations, among many other tools (Xxxxx et al., 2009; Xxxxxxxx et al., 2010; Link, 2010; Xxxxx et al., 2016). All over the world, these tools and their derived ecosystem products are being used to formulate more integrated and ecosystem-based advice for informing fisheries management that can range from being more strategic (broad-scale) to tactical (directed at specific management decisions) (Skern- Xxxxxxxxx et al., 2016; Xxxxxx et al., 2022).
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) has committed to operationalize the EAFM in accordance with internationally agreed standards. The operationalization of EAFM requires the identification of a spatial extent within which different ecosystems can be characterized, monitored, and reported on (FAO, 2003). Accordingly, since 2019 the ICCAT Subcommittee on Ecosystems has been developing a process to advance the identification of ecologically meaningful regions (ecoregions) within the ICCAT Convention area, yet large enough to be practical, to be used as a spatial framework to support the development of tools and products for guiding EAFM operationalization (Xxxx-Xxxxx et al., 2022). The ecoregions aim to provide a spatial framework to support regional collaborative and cross- sectoral ecosystem planning and prioritization, incentivize ecosystem-based research, and the development of ecosystem-based advice products to complement the current conservation and fisheries management advice provided in ICCAT.
During the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop in 2022, a total of eight candidate ecoregions were identified within the ICCAT Convention area (Figure 1) based on a pre-established criteria informed by three thematic factors: the oceanographic characteristics of the epipelagic zone, the macroecology of the target species managed by ICCAT, and the spatial dynamics of ICCAT fleets (Xxxx-Xxxxx et al., 2022). Another important output of this First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop was the constructive and technical discussions that took place in framing the general process of ecoregion delineation (Figure 2), from discussing its potential uses, to defining the criteria guiding the delineation, evaluating data inputs and methods used, and examining and refining candidate ecoregions based on expert knowledge within the ICCAT Convention area. During this Workshop, the participants provided multiple valuable feedback on all the steps of the ecoregion process to be considered in future revisions of the work.
The ecoregion process, including the draft proposal of eight ecoregions, derived in the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop were presented at the 2022 Intersessional Meeting of the Subcommittee on Ecosystems and
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Bycatch. The Subcommittee on Ecosystems recommended a Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop to refine the process guiding the ecoregion delineation considering the expert advice and feedback received in the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop. The ICCAT Scientific Committee is also being consulted on the ecoregion proposal to increase awareness of this planning, research, and advice tool to guide EAFM implementation, and to receive further feedback to continue to refine the ecoregion delineation process. A three half-day online Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop is planned for the spring 2024 (dates TBD). This Workshop will aim to gather CPC national scientists and external experts who participated at the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop as well as other interested participants to continue to refine the ecoregion delineation process. The participation of interested participants is welcomed from different institutes and organizations including CPC scientist and external experts.
The main objective of the work proposed below, which has been approved by the SCRS and the Commission in their 2022 Annual meeting, is to support the preparatory work to be carried out prior to the Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop. Specifically, this pre-workshop preparatory work will refine the process of ecoregion delineation considering the expert advice and feedback received at the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop, and also prepare a refined draft proposal of ecoregions in the ICCAT Convention area. This work will be presented during the Second ICCAT Ecoregion workshop to inform open discussion and feedback for refining the ecoregion delineation process in ICCAT.
2. Contractor Tasks
Towards supporting the preparatory work to be carried out prior to the Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop, the contractor is expected to carry out the following tasks:
Task 1. Update and refine the main purpose and potential uses of the ecoregions in the context of ICCAT species and fisheries based on the feedback received during the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop. In addition, the contractor will conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis to assess the potential role of ecoregions to be used as a spatial framework for supporting regional ecosystem planning, ecosystem research, and development of ecosystem- based advice products to complement the current advice provided in ICCAT.
Task 2. Update and refine the pre-established criteria for informing the delineation of ecoregions based on the feedback received during the 1st ICCAT ecoregion workshop. The refined criteria will distinguish between the core criteria used to delineate the ecoregions (1. The oceanography and biogeography of the Atlantic Ocean, 2. The macroecology of the target species managed in ICCAT and 3. the spatial dynamics and fishing grounds of main ICCAT fisheries) as well as any other extra considerations for evaluating ecoregions. The contractor will also update and refine the expected qualities of ecoregions based on the feedback received during the 1st ICCAT ecoregion workshop.
Task 3. Update and refine the catch datasets used in the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop for supporting the baseline ecoregion analyses. Based on the feedback received during the First Workshop, a revision of the existing ICCAT datasets and any other relevant external datasets will be done in terms of availability, quality and completeness. This revision will be used to refine the choice of key data inputs for analyses and for deriving a new baseline proposal of draft ecoregions under Task 4.
Task 4. Update and refine the spatial analyses to derive a baseline proposal of draft ecoregions using the feedback received during the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop. The contractor will prepare a new proposal of baseline ecoregions based on the refined datasets under Task 3 and the refine spatial analyses. This proposal of baseline ecoregions will be discussed, adjusted, and refined during the Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop using the expert knowledge of the participants.
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Task 5. To support the last step of the ecoregion process, the contractor will also validate the eight candidate ecoregions derived in the First ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop by assessing their degree of similarity and dissimilarity, in terms of their fleet composition (their fishing grounds and target catch composition) at the ecoregion level. The assessment of similarities and dissimilarities in terms of the composition of the core fleets in the current candidate ICCAT ecoregions will also be used to inform the new proposal of baseline ecoregions and evaluate if some ecoregions could be merged based on their degree of similarity.
Task 6. The contractor will also participate in and present a SCRS document of the completed work at the Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop.
3. Deliverables
1) The successful bidder shall provide to the Secretariat a SCRS document of the completed work to be presented at the Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop (tentatively 24-26 April 2024). The SCRS document shall describe, in detail, the procedure, data and methods used, as well as the expected outputs under each task. The expected outputs are:
− A revised version of purpose and potential uses of the ecoregions in the context of ICCAT species and fisheries together with an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats;
− A revised criteria with the major factors to be considered to guide the development of baseline ecoregions and expected qualities of the ecoregions;
− A better understanding of the data layers and quantitative methods used for deriving the baseline ecoregions with its strengths and weaknesses;
− A refined new proposal of baseline ecoregions to be adjusted based on expert knowledge;
• A SCRS document summarizing the completed work to be presented in the Second ICCAT Ecoregion Workshop (spring 2024, dates to be determined).
4. Contractor Minimum Qualifications
• University degree in one of the following: fisheries science, marine biology, statistics, natural sciences, biological sciences, environmental sciences or closely related fields (in case of individual scientists).
• Excellent working knowledge of at least one of the three official languages of ICCAT (English, French or Spanish). A high level of knowledge of English is essential.
• Demonstrated experience (at least five years) in:
• facilitating workshops and synthesizing the consensus feedback received at such workshops;
• defining the main purpose and potential uses of the ecoregions for fisheries management;
• the use and analysis of georeferenced catch datasets for supporting ecoregion analyses;
• potential application of spatial frameworks (e.g., ecoregions delineation, large marine ecosystems delineation) for the application of EAFM or fisheries management;
• the critical analysis of data layers and quantitative methods used for deriving spatial frameworks (e.g., ecoregions, large marine ecosystem delineations) for the application of EAFM or fisheries management;
• conducting sensitivity analysis on the effect of assumptions used for ecoregion development;
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• defining relevant criteria for the major factors to be considered in the development of baseline ecoregions and expected qualities of the ecoregions.
• Excellent writing skills as demonstrated by publication record.
5. Payment details
Disbursements will be made according to the following schedule:
• 40% of the total amount of the contract upon signing of the contract and after receiving a regular invoice which may be submitted at the latest 30 days after the signature of the contract;
• 40% of the total amount of the contract upon submission of the Draft final report no later than 1 April 2024, which will be revised by the Conveners of the Subcommittee on Ecosystems and Bycatch, the SCRS Chair in consultation with the ICCAT Secretariat and will communicate any necessary revisions (if applicable) to the Contractor and/or inform of approval within five days of the submission(s). The Contractor shall submit the Final report (if changes are request) together with the regular invoice, by 22 April 2024 at the latest.
• 20% after the approval of the final version of the report, and after receiving a regular invoice and a complete set of the documents concerning the expenses incurred under the contract.
6. Submission of proposals
Scientists and public or private Scientific Institutes or entities interested shall submit detailed offer(s) only to the attention of Mr. Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, the Executive Secretary of ICCAT, at the following address: xxxxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxx.xxx and Cc’ing Ms. Xxx Xxxxxxxx (xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx) by 20 October 2024 (18:00h Madrid time) at the latest, including:
a) A description of methodology to be used;
b) The budget proposal;
c) A short Curriculum vitae of the tender detailing the experience regarding the minimum qualifications defined above;
d) The name, address, and telephone number of the tendering body;
e) The institutional and administrative background of the tendering body (e.g., statutes, type of institution, annual budget, budget control procedures, etc.), if applicable;
f) Acknowledgement of this Quotation request;
g) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions herein included.
If the tender is submitted by an institute/University, it must indicate the expert(s) who will be dedicated to the completion of the tasks and that he/she be available to present the work to the Subcommittee on Ecosystems and Bycatch. Offers sent after the deadline or that fail to furnish the required documentation or information or reject the terms and conditions of the Call for Tenders will not be considered.
Interested scientists and public or private Scientific Institutes or entities interested in applying shall provide a detailed budget and clearly identify costs related to main activities of the work (i.e. labour, including estimated number of days of work, travelling, and subsistence).
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7. Selection of proposals
The ICCAT Secretariat will review the offer(s). Following the revision process, the ICCAT Executive Secretary will notify the entity selected for the contract as soon as the selection process is completed. The contract will be awarded based on competitive tendering. The evaluation of proposals will be undertaken objectively, consistently, and without bias towards particular suppliers. Proposal(s) will be evaluated against a pre-determined set of criteria, which include: (i) cost; (ii) proven track record; (iii) technical merit based on work plan, including the bidder’s qualifications; and (iv) flexibility to future changes to requirements.
8. Logistics
The text report shall be in MS Word or compatible software. All other documents provided by the Contractor must be in Open Office, Latex or compatible software. All documents must be submitted in English.
9. Copyright
All the material produced by the Contractor will remain the property of ICCAT. All software written by the Contractor will be licensed under GLP or similar open-source license.
For additional information concerning this Call for Tenders, please contact ICCAT Secretariat at the following address: xxxx@xxxxx.xxx or xxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.
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10. References
Xxxxx, X.X. & Xxxx, J.S. (2023) It is past time to use ecosystem models tactically to support based fisheries management : Case studies using Ecopath with Ecosim in an operational management context. Fish and Fisheries, 24, 381–406.
FAO. (2003) The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries. FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries N4, Supplement 2. Rome, 112 x.
Xxxxxxxx, X.X., Xxxx, X., Xxxxxxx, S.J. & Xxxxxxx, D.J. (2010) An Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management framework: the efficient, regional-level planning tool for management agencies. Marine Policy, 34, 1226–1238.
Xxxxxx, X., Xxxx, X., Xxxxx, X., Xxxxx, X., Xxxxxxxxx, X., Xxxxxxx, X., Xxxxxx, M.J., Xxxxxx, X. & Xxxxxx-Xxxxxxx,
E.J. (2022) A decision support tool for integrated fisheries bycatch management. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32, 441–472.
Xxxx-Xxxxx, M.J., Xxxxxxx, X., Xxxxx, X., Tsuji, S., Xxxxxxxx, E., Xx Xxxxxx, A., Xxxx, X., Xxxx, X., Xxxxxxx-Xxxxxxxxxx, X., Xxxxx, X., Xxx, D.J., Xxxxxxxxxxxx, X., Xxxxx, X., Xxxxxxx, X., Niemeyer Xxxxxxx, F., Xxxxxxxx, B.E., Xxxxxx, X., Xxxxx, S., Xxxxxx-Xxxxxx, M., Xxxxx, P. & Xxxxxxx, M. (2022) Report of the ICCAT workshop on ‘identification of regions in the ICCAT convention area for suporting the implementation of ecosystem- based fishereis management’. SCRS/2022/107, 1–42.
Xxxxx, P.S., Xxxxxxx, M.J., Xxxxxxxx, X. x & Xxxxxxxx, D. (2009) Integrated ecosystem assessments: developing the scientific basis for ecosystem-based management of the ocean. PLoS biology, 7, e14.
Xxxx, X.X. (2010) Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management. Confronting Tradeoffs. Cambridge University Press.
Xxxxx-Xxxxxxxxx, X., Xxxxxxxx, X., Xxxxxxxxx, X.X., Xxxx, X., Xxxxxxx, X.X., Xxxxxxxx, X.X. & Xxxxxx, O.S. (2016) Ecosystem processes are rarely included in tactical fisheries management. Fish and Fisheries, 67, 165–175.
Xxxxx, S.G., Xxxxxxx, K.K., Xxxxx, K.Y. & Xxxxxxx, S.K. (2016) Ecosystem considerations in Alaska: the value of qualitative assessments. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 74, 421–430.
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