SOW.doc

Statement of Work

2014-2015

Project: Development of Sea Turtle Bycatch Reduction Strategies in Indonesian Fisheries I. Project Background:

Bycatch of sea turtles in gillnet and longline fisheries has resulted in negative impacts on sea turtle populations, the oceanic food web, and commercial fisheries. Coastal gillnet fisheries are one of the most common forms of fishing throughout the world and the fisheries have been associated with significant cases of sea turtle bycatch. The Republic of Indonesia, which is comprised of 17,508 islands in Southeast Asia and Oceania, has a large number of artisanal fishermen spread across its archipelago, and the use of gillnets as a fishing technique is widespread. The islands provide both forage and nesting habitat for a number of sea turtle species in the region. A coastal gillnet Bycatch Workshop, held in Jakarta Indonesia during October of 2013, which highlighted recent work indicating that large numbers of sea turtles interact with gillnet fisheries based along the coast of West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

In order to reduce the impact of Indonesian coastal fisheries on sea turtles, it is important to test the efficacy of bycatch reduction strategies, such as net illumination, to determine their potential use useful to reduce those interactions. Use of net illumination has been shown to reduce sea turtle interactions from 40-60% in Mexican and Peruvian gillnet fisheries. In addition, it is important to survey the incidence of sea turtle bycatch in Indonesian fisheries.

NOAA seeks a contractor to carry out two specific goals: 1) Provide information regarding sea turtle populations and their vulnerable to fishing gears in the region of West Kalimantan, and 2) conduct field trials to test the efficacy of net illumination as a bycatch reduction technique in Indonesian gillnet fisheries.

II. Project Goals

The NOAA -Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) seeks to determine the efficacy of using a sensory cue placed on artisanal gillnets as a deterrent to the entanglement of sea turtles and other endangered, threatened species. The methodology employed should replicate previous efforts undertaken by NOAA and must be approved by NOAA advisors.

III. Description of Work and Specific tasks:

A. The contractor will conduct field trials in a gillnet fishery located in Paloh, West Kalimantan, Indonesia to determine the efficacy of net illumination and other technologies as coordinated with NOAA as a sea turtle bycatch reduction strategy. Using a paired testing methodology, the contractor will provide all obtained data to determine how the experimental nets affect catch rates of sea turtles, fish, elasmobranchs, marine mammals and seabirds as compared to traditional fishing practices. Sample sizes will be sufficient in order to obtain statistically robust results. Experimental protocols must be approved by NOAA. The contractor will provide all necessary logistical support, including boat personnel and fisheries observers.

B. The contractor will conduct fishermen surveys of two ports (outside of West Kalimantan) in Indonesia to characterize their coastal fishing fleet (number, type, and size of vessels), the fishing gear (number, types, and sizes of nets), and fishing methodologies (seasonality, day/vs night). The report will also indicate general descriptions regarding target and non target species capture rates.

IV. Specific deliverables

All deliverables shall by sent to Drs. John Wang (john.wang@noaa.gov) and Yonat Swimmer (yonat.swimmer@noaa.gov) via email.

A. Field trial data in Excel file. Data should include all collected data (raw data) plus summarized data with graphs. This will include catch rate data of all species captured during field trials, and will include information on fishing methodology. Additionally, information will also be obtained on target species market values for each net set.

B. Final Report. This will include all obtained data that has been analyzed and submitted in report form to NOAA- Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC). This final report will include:

i. Results of tests of the effectiveness of illuminating coastal gillnets with lights/lightsticks in reducing the bycatch of sea turtles along the coast of Indonesia. Summary of all field data, including maps, photos, graphs.

ii. Comparisons of sea turtle capture rates, target capture rates, bycatch of other species capture rates, and catch values of experimental nets (illuminated nets) and control nets.

C.

Report on fishermen surveys of two ports in Indonesia (approved by NOAA) characterizing the fishing fleets, target fish species, and sea turtle bycatch rates. (see above details). This report will include map, photos, and data.

V. Invoicing, and Estimated Payments

A. Field Data (Preliminary report): approximate completion: December 31, 2014 (or each option period thereafter) B. Final Report: approximate completion: February 28, 2015 (or each option period thereafter) C. Survey Report: approximately completion: May 31, 2015 (or each option period thereafter) VI. Special Qualifications of Applicants

1) The contractor shall have at least five years experience working with the fishing industry in Indonesia and shall have experience conducting bycatch reduction experiments.

2) Fluency in both Indonesia Bahasa and English.

VIII. Principal Contacts

Project Officer

Dr. Yonat Swimmer

NOAA – PIFSC

Yonat.swimmer@noaa.gov Technical advisor

Dr. John Wang

NOAA-PIFSC

John.wang@noaa.gov