ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (JANUARY - DECEMBER, 2012) - WARFP/BNF - LIBERIA

Transcription

1 1 ANNUAL PROGRSS RPORT (JANUARY - DCMBR, 2012) - WARFP/BNF - LIBRIA Activities Sub-activities Achievements Status Challenges and constraints Recommended actions and by whom Component 1 Good governance and sustainable management of the fisheries SUB-COMPNT 1.1 Development of the capacity, rules, procedures and practices for good governance of the fisheries Strengthening of policy and regulatory framework for use of the fish resources i. Development of long term policy vision and institutional arrangements, including MCS plans and strategies As part of the on-going policy formulation consultative process the first fisheries and aquaculture dialogue was held in Monrovia from 15th to 17th February, The workshop brought together 25 major fisheries stakeholders and shared ideas on a long term fisheries policy for Liberia. Further consultations were held during the second quarter with other various stakeholders, including the inland communities in Cape Mount, Montserado, and Bong Counties, the Seamen Union and some local NGOs in the Bong County (ODAFARA,ADRAP, and CATALYST). In May the policy workshop report was circulated to all the stakeholders. Following up on the workshop report, a zero draft fisheries and aquaculture policy document was presented by NFDS in July and circulated to the major stakeholders of the project for review and comments. A comprehensive review was received from the TTL and circulated by NFDS among its stable members for consideration. Since then no further action was taken to move the processes forward by NFDS. The policy direction intimated by the TTL's comments seemed at variance with the NFDS proposals in the zero draft policy document The exact policy direction differences need to be discussed among stakeholders for a negotiated solution to expedite completion of the policy document. ii. New Fisheries Act is passed At the policy workshop a presentation was made on the tenets and outline of a New Fisheries Act dependent on the policy statements and strategies that would be formulated through the consultative processes. However work on the Act was delayed due to the non completion of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy document within the year. Non completion of the policy document is the cause of delay of work on the New Fisheries Act NFDS to negotiate a way forward for early completion of the policy document iii. Commencement of work by firm to research into social and economic benefits of access agreement iv. xternal training in governance and policy for 5 BNF staff(2 long and 3 short courses) Not yet initiated 1. The project sponsored two BNF staff members to the University of Philippines for Master's programes: One who benifitted from the fellowship to study fisheries policy and management returned successfully with a Masters Degree after 18 months of study; the second beneficiary for a 24 months program in Fish Processing Technology began his thesis on added value to the skipjact tuna 2. Arrangements were completed for 2 other BNF staff to benefit from 12 month Master's programs in Fisheries Management and Coastal Area Management at the Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography of the University of Ghana. 3. Of the two BNF staff members sponsored for the short course in the Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation, in the Netherlands, "ecosystem approach to fisheries" in November only one was able to make it. Visa acquisition delays obstructed the other candidate from travelling in time subsequently his placement had to be deffered to the next year. L Inability of one of the nominees for the short course in the Netherlands to secure a visa prevented him from attendance. Nominees for the Mater's programs in Ghana to fill in application forms early in January 2013

2 2 iii. xternal training in Maritime Law for 2 legal persons iv. Development and management of a website to enhance transparency in fisheries management The project sought no objection to sponsor two legal persons for Master's programs overseas. At the end of the year only one candidate was successfully placed in Malta for the LLM international maritime law program, the second's admission was deferred due to late submission of documents. However contact resumed with the authorities of the Tulane University Law School for the formal admission processes to be re-initiated to enable her gain admission for the 2013/2014 program 1. The BNF website (http//: was officially launched on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at the conference hall of the Ministry of Agriculture by the Acting Minister for Administration, Dr. Charles McClain. Present were BNF staff, fish importers and exporters, industrial vessel owners, various stakeholders in the fisheries sector and the Press. It was noted by the Minister that the website was the first to be set up in the Mano River Union to foster transparency and urged all to access it regularly. 2. The website suffered some temporary glitches during the period of tranfer of domain sites but towards the end of November rectification was successfully accomplished. The reports of the workshop for MCS regional collaboration and tuna access meetings as well as the MOU for access to the resources of the Z were successfully posted. L L Project to make advance payment as a prerequisite for admission as soon as an invoice is available. vii. Declaration of country s xclusive conomic Zone (Z) in the sea, with UNCLOS The xecutive Order for declaration of the maritime zones of Liberia was signed since the 12th of January by the President. Therefore the delay by the National Oil Company of Liberia, the secretariat for the Maritime Zones Commission, in gazeting of Liberia's declaration of its maritime zones, compelled the Ministry of Agriculture to work with the Ministery of Foreign Affairs and officially submitted the xecutive Order and other relevant documentation to DOALAS. However at the close of the year DOALAS had not gazetted the declaration making the xecutive Order redundant now. NOCAL, the secretariat, of the Maritime Zones Commission had no expertise to work towards the registration of the Liberia's declaration on the UN's website Project to work closely with other stakeholders for the extenstion of the xecutive Order to re-start the processes of registration of the maritime zones next year

3 3 vi. Facilitation of implementation of fisheries management advice by the Minister of Agriculture in support of application of the New Fisheries Regulations, 2010 as follows: 1. A total of 40 vessels were sighed and fined for fishing illegally in the fisheries waters of Liberia this year: PANOFI 3; OPAGAC 12; ANABAC 9; ORTHGL 9; ROS 1; MW BRANDS 4; PRMIR 1 and SOVANT A final settlement was reached with the ROS owners for a total sum of US$117, to be paid. A down payment of US$50, was to be made and the balance to be paid at an agreed upon time frame to be proposed by the owners 3. Final settlement agreement was reached for the Ghana Pioneer Food Cannery and the tuna purser companies, OPAGAC, ANABAC and ORTHGL and a total of US3,000,000 was paid for contravention of the Liberia Fisheries Regulations. 4. After negotiations a fine of US$500,000 was paid by the Korean tuna company, PANOFI in Ghana, for illegal fishing in the Z of Liberia by 3 of its vessels. 5.Two Korean tuna vessels, Solevant and Premier, operating from Cote d'ivoire were cited for violation of the fisheries regulations. The countries fisheries authorities have been notified and requested for assistance. 6. The license of Global 7 was renewed after payments of outstanding balances and renewal obligations/commitments. 7. After due diligence two Korean vessels were registered and licenced to fish in Liberia. 8. The first round of negotiations were conducted and agreement reached for 3 tuna purse seiner associations from Spain and France to fish in the Z of Liberia. The MOU to this effect was finalized and posted on the website for the licensing processes to commence 9. Pre-licensing processes were completed for 4 other industrial fishing vessels to obtain licenses next year Registration of fishing vessels, data input, analyses, restitution and finalization of database on vessel registration A program to visit all fish landing sites in the 9 coastal counties by a set of two teams was accomplished and the following tasks successfully achieved: (1) all doubtful GPS positions of the identified landing sites were reconfirmed and accuracy enhanced (2) the canoe registration disparities at some of the landing sites were restituted (3) canoe owners encouraged to commence on their own embossment of registration numbers on the canoes and (4) the preparation of an update the national register. More data was expected from the fishing chiefs of the various fishing communites on the number of new canoes added to community fleet. L The responsibility of registration of canoes by BNF was being challenged by the maritime authorities and there was need for discussion on the way forward MOA to explain the importance and mandate of BNF on canoe registration to the maritime authorities Assessment i.valuation of of the status of key technical and fish stocks financial proposals completed for selection of international university for long term contract to provide research and training support to BNF and establishment of fisheries curriculum The much delayed financial evaluation was finally concluded on the 11th of March and the combined evaluation report submitted for no objection confirming the choice of the University of Iceland/MRAG as the most responsive. During the 4th quarter of the year the final contract for recruitment was signed by the University of Iceland/MRAG and the project after negotiations L

4 4 ii. Recruitment of university for research and training support and iii. First research and training campaigns started (details of programs to be worked out by the selected university After the contract, a 10-day maiden visit was made to Liberia by a 3-member team from the University of Iceland/MRAG to interact with the project, BNF, MOA, and the authorities of the University of Liberia and the Robertsport CMA. The main issues of the inception report after the visit were: 1. Specific: coordination of support to the observer program; the bio-economic models and type of management advice required under the specific plans; and coordination with and support of UL in developing its fisheries curriculum 2. the development of a robust data collection system for the BNF was a priority; and 3. the development of the undergraduate degree and short courses to be offered through an extended program. The second visit was planned for February next year. L Transparency and accessibility of key fisheries management information i. IT platform for dashboard installed, engagement of operators, and training (1) Under the aegis of the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU), an IT firm MATOOKAI was recruited to ascertain and develop a dashboard system to link Liberia to the RCU as well as other WARFP implementing countries. To this effect a 5-day assessment trip was undertaken by the firm in the company of the RCU and also to hold consultations with the various stakeholders in Liberia. The report of the assessment was received and follow up discussions undertaken. Communication on the next steps toward establishment of the dashboard was expected from the RCU (2) A 12 day GIS training course, was organised for 12 participants from the MOA, BNF, the dashboard team, the communications expert and other project staff. The fisheries frame survey data was applied and showed how relevant and beneficial GIS could support fisheries management. L The delay in the RCU to follow up with establishment of the the processes for early dashboard is due to establishment of the problems in recruiting a dashboard competent IT firm in the sub-region SUB-COMPNT 1.2 Introduction of fishing rights (US$0.6 m GF) Introduction of fishing rights through a system of co-management i. Complete Robertsport CMA plan 1. A strategic plan was prepared by the co-management consultant, for further action by the Robertsport CMA. The CMA itself started operations by setting up 6 sub-committees comprising: i. Planning, Development and Social Committee ii. Membership and RecruitmentCcommittee iii. Conflict Management Committee iv. Community Surveillance Committee v. Community Science Committee and vi. Business Management Committee. 2. The CMA work plan for was prepared and validated with the assistance of the co-management specialists. Considerable time was spent on deliberation and agreement on the 4 goals of the plan (i. sustainable fishing ii. increased fishing revenue iii. strong local economy and iv. better living conditions). 3. Work on the fisheries co-management plan commenced and the document was to be completed and sent back to the project by the comanagement consultants. The international consultants provided training to the CMA on conflict management, introduction to marine protected areas (MPAs) and to BNF/WARFP on socio-economic assessment of the MPAs. At the end of the consultancy presentation the 2 co-management consultant's recommendations were targeted at local, national and international levels to sustain co-management in Liberia. 4. A seven day capacity building training for 30 CMA members was undertaken to enhance the capacity of all the subcommittees in the following areas: planning, conflict management and business and financial management. Also a 3-day workshop was conducted by the MCS team for capacity building of the Robertsport CMA sub-committee for suveillance during which basic equipment were provided for surveillance work in Robertsport Copies of summaries of offences and fines were distributed to the CMA members and successful discussions were conducted. The CMA sub-committee for recruitment and membership engaged a 3 member committee in each participating community

5 5 ii. Review membership and make restitution 1. Currently, a total of 677 members of the CMA were registered in 13 of the 15 comunities and an amount of L$101, was realized as membership fees. Two communities, Sowee and Sawilor were beyond reach during the rainy season. CMA to endeavour to extend registration activities to the two communities early next year iii. Finalize CMA plan and seek approval by members A general assembly meeting conducted in December endorsed and gave approval to the constitution, by-laws and for the implementation of the CMA work plan by acclamation. L CMA executive to be assisted by the project to sustain activities iv. Submit to Government for registration/accredit ation Possibilities were sought for the CMA registration with the MOA, Cooperatives Development Agency but it was found not to be in conformity with principles of co-management. Processes of legal recognition would have therefore to pend till completion and promulgation of the fisheries and aquaculture policy where space would be provided for legitimization of the co-management structures and systems. L NFDS to look at the national framework for co-management from which policy statements could be formulated to provide a source/basis for legitimization

6 6 v. Specialized training(measureme nt of atmospheric temperature, fish length, tidal waves, beach hygiene, erosion, etc) for the CMAs to be established at Robertsport and provision of equipment for monitoring the health of beach and inshore environments vii. Preparation of an implementation plan for the nets exchange program to replace 25% of illegal fishing gear from the TURF to be established at Robertsport in the first year. Activity was ongoing A 3 member core committee in each of the 14 communities was set up by the executive committee of the Robertsport CMA which registered all illegal fishing nets used in the fishing communities and also recorded preferences for replacement. By the end of the 2nd quarter most of the communities had submitted their reports. After collation of data from Robertsport and the 14 other fishng communities on illegal fishing nets currently in use and preferences for replacement, analysis was undertaken on the data stored in Access to prepare a detailed specifiction of fishing nets requirement for submission to the Bank for no objection to procure by shopping. However as at the close of the year no response was received from the Bank to operationalize the procurement. Delay in receiving no objection for procurement of fishing nets TTL to expedite action on no objection to procure fishing nets Social marketing and communication viii. Design and technical specifications for construction of 4 Community Fisheries Centers(CFC) for Robertsport MPA/TURFs completed and validated by communities. i.preparation of supporting material and coordination for the Co-management and MCS teams At the end of the year the final architectural and structural designs of the CFC and the Robertsport fish landing site cluster were re-submitted for the third time to the TTL for no objection having undertaken the proposed remedial actions/restitutions proposed by some experts. 1. After shortlisting 5 applicants out of 8 for the post of Communications Specialist an interview was conducted for selection of the deserving candidate on the 29th of March. The report of selection was sent to the TTL and no objection received leading to the recruitment of the new communications specialist, Abdulai Kamara on the 15th of May, A draft revised communications and marketing strategy was prepared and circulated to members of staff for comments 3. The specialist worked with the Daily Observer newspaper for finalization of Liberia's component of the Regional Communications Plan and assisted in the opening of the bank account. 4. he contributed material for publication on the website; and 5. Collaborated with the CMA in Robertsort in the planning of the general assembly meeting. Approval of designs delayed due to the various review procedures TTL expected now to give no objection to the final designs

7 7 ii. Radio advertising campaign to promote fisheries and WARFP. Ads to run on 9 coastal counties local radio stations 1. The communications specialist undertook an assessement of the impact of the radio drama series by visiting communities and radio stations in 3 counties and administering a structured questionaire. The report findings depicted the usefulness and impact of the drama series. Following this, the communications Specialist engaged the producers of the 'Fish Point' radio program for possible continuation of the series. 2. After long deliberations the radio drama series would commence next year. Consensus was reached for the contract to be signed early next year for production to commence. Project to conclude contractual arrangements early next year for recommencement of the radio progam iii. Finalization of social and marketing surveys report and presentation and dissemination Action by LISGIS for finalization of the report yet to be taken Delay in revising report either due to incompetence or unavailability of time LISGIS to finalize report

8 8 Component 2 Reduction of illegal fishing (US$5.4 m IDA) SUB-COMPNT 2.2 Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) systems (US$5.4 m IDA) Implementing sustainable surveillance systems i. Preparation of technical specifications and bidding documents for new BNF Headquarters, FMC and competent authority lab, Robertsport landing site as well as coastal stations and equipment 1. The architectural and structural designs and bidding documents were prepared and submitted to the TTL for no objection in August but as at end of year no response was received (2) LAMDA Consult was in the process of subcontacting to some marine engineers to undertake at the Mesurado fishing pier, bathymetric survey, geotechnical investigation and design of the industrial fish import and export terminal as well as the conversion of the old pump house to a national FMC and a Competent Authority laboratory for fish export. A memorandum of understanding was prepared to be signed early next year. In furtherance of this agreement the project requested and received a no objection for an addendum to the contract prepared adjusting the cost upward by some US$41, Delay in receiving no objection for the continuation phases TTL to forward no objection for selection of a contractor for work to commence ii. Strategic international intelligence support on targeting IUU owners, vessels, etc iii. Technical support to establish a MCS National Centre iv. Technical support to establish two coastal MCS centres risk vessel reports were received from the international intelligence expert, Album Gunnar, on IUU fishing vessels in and around the Liberian Z. These enabled the project to follow up leading to the imposition fines on 39 foreign vessels. 2. In addition to attending and making presentations at the workshop for regional collaboration for MCS on 30-31st October, the international intelligence expert conducted a five-day workshop for capacity building on gathering and understanding international intelligence for 25 persons including staff of the FMC, the observer program, fisheries inspectors and staff for WARFP/BNF from 4th to 9th of November. No Activity. 1. The establishment of the FOB at Buchanan for the LCG advanced with the completion of 2 refurbished containers and the procurement of all construction materials including cement, sand and stones. At the end of the year plans were completed to move the containers to Buchanan to be mounted on the prepared platform. It was expected that the FOB would be ready by end of January The fisheries component, was part of the bidding documents forwarded to the TTL for approval which was submitted also in August. Construction of that component was therefore delayed. The design and bidding documents of the fisheries component of the FOB was still to receive no objection TTL to forward no objection for selection of a contractor for work to commence in Buchanan

9 9 vi. quiping Liberia with air and sea surveillance capacity as follows: a. air surveillance patrols Arrangements were underway to procure MCS equipment for the FMC. The IT consultant appointed was found to be technically incompetent and therefore the contract was terminated. The second choice was appointed to complete the reequipping process at the FMC. He completed his initial assessment and prepared a supplementary list of equipment needed which was sent out to various suppliers for quotations. 1. Twelve UNMIL air reconnaissance flights were undertaken during the year. 2. UNMIL was provided a GPS camera with a powerful lens to assist in the detailed gathering of evidence for effective prosecution of fisheries cases. The flight operations officer was given training on the use of the equipment. The camera enhanced the quality of snapshots for the flight reports. Incompetency of selected IT consultant The helicopter was routinely hampered by mechanical challenges Project to obtain the necessary quotations for selection of a supplier UNMIL to undertake extensive servicing/repair of the helicopter b. sea patrols 21 sea patrols using a total of 2600 gallons of fuel were used by the LCG for sea patrols. One of the LCG vessels was not seaworthy hence lesser number of patrols expected (4/mth) Necessary for LCG to undertake patrols jointly with the MCS staff vi. Developing a National Observer Programme 1. A one week training program was conducted by NOAA for dashboard operators, observers, FMC personnel and inspectors on the establishment and operation of a fisheries observer database. Input of data commenced and was still continueing Abstracts of presentations on activities of the observer team were prepared to enable the observer management team to attend an observer conference to be organised in Chile in April. NOAA is facilitating the process. 3. A Liberian Communications company was requested to remedy the inadequacy in performance of the FMC communications equipment which unabled it to establish effective communications with observers and vessels at sea. The HF radios were now able to make contact as far as Russia and Japan. It started already to repair the VHF radios for land based operations. Dashboard operators to continue data input vii. Support to community monitoring and enforcement vii. Workshops/meeting s The MCS team undertook a 3-day capacity building program for 30 members of the community surveillance sub-committee of the CMA in Robertsport A 2-day workshop on regional collaboration for MCS was organised in Monrovia from 29-30th October proceeded by another 2-day meeting on tuna access arrangements from 1-2nd November. There were 85 participants and 10 presentations at the MCS workshop and 98 participants and 14 presentations at the tuna meeting. An essential output of the MCS meeting was a discussion of an MOU for cooperation on MCS among 4 States namely, Ghana, Cote d'ivore, Liberia and Sierra Leone. At side meetings preliminary access agreements were discussed. Also present were regional groupings such as the SRFC, and the Mano River Union. Recruitment of Deputy Focal person for MCS and FMC Supervisor Component 3 Increasing the contribution of the Marine Fish Resources to the local economies(us1.9 m IDA) A short listing process produced 4 persons for each post and were interviewed with the following recruited: 1. Sheck Ahmed Sherrif as Deputy Focal person for MCS and 2. Francis Boimah as FMC Supervisor. L

10 10 SUB-COMPNT 3.1 Fish landing site clusters(us$ 1.3 m IDA) i. Capacity building and facilitation of training and extension for product development Not yet initiated ii. Preparation of an investment package and call for expression of interest from potentially interested private companies for a concession from BNF for use of the pier, as partner with Government 1. The lease for the Mesurado fishing pier which was to be adjusted from years with the preparation of an addendum finally was not fulfilled by the NPA without any reasons. 2. The IFC earlier in the year indicated interest in securing partners in the establishment and management of the industrial fish landing and export terminal but towards the mid-year did not show further interest. 2. A TOR was prepared and no objection received for the recruitment of an nterprise Development Consultant for feasibility studies and preparation of a plan for the Robertsport fish landing site cluster to operate as a self sustaining enterprise. Two OIs were placed in 2 newspapers at different times for the recruitment but only one person responded. 3. The land deed for the Robertsport fish landing site cluster was probated during the quarter. 4. Progress was made in the provision of amenities for the Robertsport resettlement site: i. two hand pumps ii. two toilets iii. drainage system; and iv. site clearing L 1. Delay in receiving 1. Project to find other extension lease for the ways to get the lease Mesurado fishing pier for the Mesurado 2. Non-availability of fishing pier extended. competent Liberians for 2. Project to look the post of nterprise outside the shores of Development Liberia for the Consultant recruitment of the nterprise

11 11 Component 4 Coordination, monitoring and evaluation and program management (US$1.7 m IDA, US$.8 GF) SUB-COMPNT 4.1 National implementation (US$1.1 m IDA, US$0.8 m GF) i. Arrangements for construction of BNF HQ 1. The architectural and structural designs and bidding documents were prepared by LAMDA Consult and presented by the project for no objection to proceed with the selection and award of contract. At the end of the year still no objection was received to proceed. 2. The Ministry of Agriculture committed funds from the fisheries development account for purchase of the land for the BNF HQ as soon as the survey work is accomplished. Further the Ministry of Agriculture's request for permit was forwarded to the PA so as to enable an environmental and social assessment to be conducted at the identified area. Delay in the receipt of no objection TTL to give no objection to the BNF designs and bidding documents ii.recruitment of Focal Person for sustainable management and governance iii. Recruitment of assistant accountant iv. Recruitment of Deputy Coordinator iii. Short courses for the FMO staff The focal person for sustainable management and governance was finally recruited with the commencement date set for 15th of January 2013 Amadou Morris was recruited as the assistant accountant and assumed duty on the 1st of July, A short listing process produced 3 persons for interview resulting in the recruitment of Yevewuo Subah, the former Focal Person for governance and sustainable management. 1. The procurement specialist benefitted from a 3-week course organized by the RCU in Dakar, Senegal 2. The Deputy Coordinator and M & focal person attended a two weeks course in Monitoring and valuation from Septembr 24 - October 5, 2012, at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) with support from the RCU. 3. Financial management training for the project accountant was still pending and the RCU was to follow up on arrangements for a new venue and date. 4. The project coordinator and the deputy attended the 18th special meeting of ICCAT in Agadir, Morocco from 12 to 19th of November and the AU think tank meeting on the AU fisheries policy as well as access agreements negotiations workshop in Duoala, Cameroon from the 27th of November to 2nd December. RCU to finalize arrangements for the accountant's training iv. Steering Committee meetings 2 steering committee meetings were held in the year. The 4th quarter meeting was expected to be held early next year due the absence of most members in Monrovia