Term of References (ToRs)
Introduction
This consultancy is being offered as part of the Marine Program of WWF-Pakistan and it aims to seek support in project activities aiming to make use of geographical information system, to in the future undertake marine spatial planning activities understanding high-used areas by fishers using crew-based observer data and to evaluate the core areas of aggregation of endangered, threatened and protected species. In addition, it would allow to move towards management measures meeting policy objectives for marine conservation. Moreover, the GIS application would also allow to undertake a series of actions necessary for evaluating trade routes among others.
Background:
Pakistan has a coastline of 1,050 Km, and an EEZ of approximately 290,000 sq. Km with the territorial waters covering an area of 24,000 sq. km. It borders the productive North Arabian Sea and is famous for its upwelling phenomenon. The continental shelf of Balochistan only measures 15-40 Km, which makes it dynamic in the fisheries sense and provides livelihood opportunities for fishers residing along the coast of Pakistan. The coast of Balochistan is comprised of sandy beaches, whereas the Sindh coast is comprised of creeks and continental shelf is shallow unlike Balochistan which is steep. Both the coastlines support a wide variety of marine species. The Balochistan and Karachi coast are famous for nesting sites of green turtles, where around 140 species of elasmobranchs (Sharks, rays, skates and guitarfishes) and 19 species of cetaceans have been recorded from Pakistan’s waters. This showcases the rich marine resources of Pakistan and its potential of supporting livelihoods of around 1 million.
Fisheries are the major economic resource and comprise of around 1% of GDP of Pakistan. It is being exploited unsustainably and has severe pressure, with increasing vessel numbers operating in the Northern Arabian Sea and resource practices it is important to put a cap on the exploitation of these resources. Although Pakistan’s fishing fleets are mostly small scale in nature, there is no regulation and the practices of artisanal fishers are at risk. In order to better understand the nature of artisanal fishers and their use of bait in fisheries it is important to encompass knowledge and management efforts to secure the vested interests of artisanal fishers.
The Task
The scope of this consultancy is to provide GIS maps, interactive maps, trade route maps and support in showcasing results through the GIS application for project activities related to areas beyond national jurisdiction tuna project supported by GEF/FAO and Common Oceans, but not limited to it.
Accordingly, the consultant will prepare GIS maps, interactive maps, area-based maps and trade route maps, in addition to providing support in publications where applicable and as appropriate. The tasks are proposed as under and may be amended in discussions with the consultant:
- Develop interactive maps while making use of crew-based observer data on the catch of tuna and tuna like species and associated bycatch, in particular, sea turtles, sharks and marine mammal interactions
- Assist in identification of core habitats for ETP species by analyzing coordinate data from observer data sheets to plot areas of interaction
- Develop layers of data along with time series to help analyze seasonal variation, and understand whether catch and bycatch varies by area of fishing operation
- Develop trade route maps utilizing data from regional office (Sindh and Balochistan) on consumption patterns and also looking at shark fin trade routes by making use of information made available through WWF network offices
- To assist in future work on marine protected areas and assists in marine spatial planning exercises for Astola Island, Sonmiani bay, Churna Island, Keti Bunder, Kharo Chan among other key habitats.
Specific Deliverables
The consultant is expected to provide the following services deliverables, which must include but are not limited to the following:
- GIS based interaction maps on bycatch
- Online database for interactions of ETP species and target species
- GIs based map for trade routes on shark consumption in Pakistan and trade across borders
- Conduct field work where applicable for marine spatial planning
- Conduct GIS fix point photography for mangroves plantation areas and provide a report
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