The Ocean Forecasting System (OFS) was initially developed by the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO) in 2010 to predict extreme weather, monitor ocean condition and safeguard social development.

The OFS consists of a wave-tide-circulation coupled model system, a real-time marine monitoring system, operational application and service, and the early warning of marine hazards and service. Coupled with Marine Science and Numerical Modeling Laboratory (MASNUM) wave model, MOM5 ocean general circulation model and SIS sea ice model, OFS applies the non-breaking wave-induced vertical mixing (Bv) theory established by Professor Fangli Qiao, with a horizontal resolution of 0.1°×0.1° and 54 layers in the vertical, in which eight main tidal potentials are simulated. It can provide 5-day forecast products of surface wave height, wave period, sea level, three-dimensional ocean current, sea temperature and salinity, etc. The general workflow of OFS is shown in Figure 1. The data input comes from two sources, including observation data and model data, both of which have been subject to validation. The analysis product is generated through Ensemble Adjustment Kalman filter assimilation, while the forecast product is generated through global high-resolution wave-tide-circulation coupled model and global high-resolution wave model with input from model database. OFS is forced by NCEP GFS operational atmosphere forcing field.

Overall, long-term validations have indicated that OFS can provide high-quality operational forecasting results, which are publicly accessible via http://144.123.38.62:2020/

Figure showing workflow of OFS

Meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, from 3 to 6 January 2023, the member countries of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) took a major step towards limiting industrial fishing for tuna and all marine life. The text adopted establishes an annually renewable three-month ban on drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs). This technique has caused an 80% decline in tuna stocks over the past fifty years, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Indian Ocean states, including Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, Kenya and Indonesia, have agreed to temporarily suspend the use of drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs). This industrial fishing equipment is causing the world’s tuna stocks to plummet by 80% over the past 50 years, according to a recent study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The new measure was adopted by 16 votes out of 23 at the meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), held from 3 to 6 January 2023 in Mombasa, Kenya. The adopted text establishes an annually renewable three-month ban on drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs).

Fish aggregating devices (FADs)

As explained by the conservation organisation Greenpeae, a FAD is a raft made up of an assembly of floating objects extended underwater by nets or ropes. FADs naturally attract fish and have been used by artisanal fishermen for thousands of years.

Unfortunately, this technique has been taken over and “improved” by the fishing industry, particularly in tuna fishing. FADs are now accompanied by GPS and satellite beacons that allow the position of each FAD to be tracked in real time, along with depth sounders that allow fishermen to know the volume of fish around the device. Above all, it is the increase in the number of FADs deployed by vessels that makes the situation out of control.

This is not the same as the coastal communities that survive on their artisanal fisheries. While an artisanal fisherman brings in a few kilos of fish after each trip, a tuna boat can bring in over 100 tonnes of tuna with one net.

EU opposes new FAD resolution

The temporary suspension of the use of FADs in the Indian Ocean is not to the liking of the European Union (EU), which has already threatened to oppose the new Ctoi resolution. If the EU were to do so within the next 120 days, the resolution would not apply to its vessels.

For Anne-France Mattlet, head of the tuna group of the European shipowners’ union Europêche, “the adoption of India’s proposal on FADs would be catastrophic”. The European tuna lobby argues that the use of FADs has several advantages. They ensure food security and safety by alleviating the scarcity of reef and lagoon resources, they save fuel by making it easier to access the resource. They guarantee safety at sea by reducing the distances travelled on the high seas in search of schools of fish and by focusing on more restricted fishing areas. They also make it possible to preserve reef-lagoon resources by transferring fishing effort to the more abundant pelagic resources.

 

SOURCE: https://www.afrik21.africa/en/africa-fad-fishing-for-tuna-will-be-restricted-in-the-indian-ocean/

 

Four foreign deep sea fishing vessels have been granted a license to use the Tanzanian flag to conduct deep water fishing within the Indian Ocean.

The Director of Research, Training and Extension Department in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Prof Mohammed Sheikh said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that each licence costs about 70,000 US dollars and may be renewable each year depending on the performance.

“The initiative looks to increase fish catch for improving the average of fish uptake for Tanzanians to meet international standards, promote blue economy, create jobs and transfer marine skills to local populations,” he said during handover of fish Bycatch by a Spanish based company.

He was speaking during the handover of 100 tonnes of fish Bycatch to the government from Pacific star, a Spain based fishing company that is operating in using Tanzanian flag and has a subsidiary office in Zanzibar.

“Last week we granted a licence to four fishing vessels to use our flag and conduct deep sea fishing in the Indian Ocean. The licences also requires that such companies sell locally part of their fishing including they Bycatch which is set to minimise gap of fish intake in the country and promote trade,” he said.

Prof Sheikh added that the license has been granted after Pacific star (locally registered as Pemba Tuna) recorded success in fishing nearly 100 tonnes of Bycatch of other fish species and was ready to sell other 300 tonnes of tuner fish in the local market where local traders my sell them to Tanzanians and outside.

“An individual Tanzanian is estimated to consume an estimated 8.5 kilogrammes of fish a year, against 20 kilogrammes recommended internationally.

The incoming of licensed fishing vessels would increase the number of fish, narrow such a gap and hence, promote economic development and food security,” Prof Sheikh observed.

On his part,  Mr Imanol Loinaz the Fleet Director of Albacora company which owns pacific star vessels  said that his company was working and mentoring local seamen for skills transfer and that future plans is to set up a fish processing factory in Tanzania.

“We have visited some areas in Zanzibar, Kilwa, Tanga and Dar es salaam region where we are analyzing suitable areas for possibly establishing a processing factory in the near future,” he said.

The event was graced by Mr Suleiman Masoud Makame, the Minister for Blue Economy Fisheries of Zanzibar revolutionary government.

 

SOURCE: https://dailynews.co.tz/four-deep-sea-fishing-vessels-secure-licence-to-operate-in-indian-ocean/

Post Number: 6KEIOC0012RP

Grade: P-4

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Nairobi

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline: (Midnight Paris Time): 17-FEB-2023

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

Overview of the functions of the post

Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the direct supervision of the Head, IOC Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section (IOC/MPR), the incumbent is responsible for leading the Secretariat for the IOC Sub-Commission for Africa & the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA).

These activities operate through the advice and actions of numerous expert teams, inputs across IOC programmes related to Ocean Science, Ocean Observation and Services, Tsunami, Capacity Development, and Marine Policy - a complex landscape requiring team building skills, cooperation and good internal and external communication.

 The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy (C4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C5s), the IOC Medium Term Strategy, IOC Assembly and Executive Council decisions/resolutions, the IOCAFRICA Biannual Workplan, and other international/UNGA resolutions as well as global development plans relevant to the ocean such as Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the SAMOA SIDS Pathway, UNFCCC Paris Agreement and overall UNCLOS provision relevant to the mandate of the IOC.

 In particular, the incumbent will: 

Long Description

1.       Advance the work of IOC and engage current and potential members and partners in the region within the framework of the IOC. Lead, coordinate, and facilitate the development and implementation of IOC Medium-Term Strategy and Programme and Budget, and global programmes related to ocean research, sustained ocean observations and services, the development of science/policy interface, the generation of scientific knowledge to support sustainable ocean management and capacity development in the region. 

2.       Exercise leadership and strategic thinking in developing, planning and implementing IOC programmes/activities responding to the existing and emerging priority needs and specific interests of Member States in the region and support the implementation of IOCAFRICA workplan as defined by the Sub-Commission. 

3.       Pursue partnerships and resource mobilization opportunities with governments, other UN agencies, the research, development and donor communities, with a view to implementing IOC Medium-Term Strategy, the IOC Capacity Development Strategy and programmes in the region and contributing to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

4.       Facilitate the coordination of regional activities in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development focusing on engagement of ocean stakeholders from science, policy, industry and civil society, the convening of regional task groups, supporting the design of Decade Actions, and identification of capacity development needs.

5.       Ensure the smooth functioning of the Regional Secretariat, oversee the Secretariat’s human resources and their performance, prepare and monitor the budget for the Sub-Commission including extrabudgetary contributions, in line with UNESCO’s policies and procedures and Represent IOC, the Sub-Commission and UNESCO at the UN and other partner organizations’ intergovernmental and technical meetings, as appropriate. 
 

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)

Accountability (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

Building partnerships (M)

Driving and managing change (M)

Strategic thinking (M)

Making quality decisions (M)

Managing performance (M)

-

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in Oceanography, Marine Science, or related field. 

 

Work Experience 

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant professional experience in the field of ocean management and capacity development, of which preferably 4 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in coordinating, managing, and implementing projects or programmes.
• Experience in managing staff and teams.

 

Skills and Competencies

• Good knowledge of ocean management and capacity development in the region.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to identify complex issues, and decide on ways forward respecting the constraints of the organizations involved.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and change management skills.
• Strong programme management skills.
• Very good communication skills (oral and written) with proven ability to make effective and persuasive oral presentations to both technical and general audiences.
• Proven ability to advocate and negotiate with colleagues, staff, and stakeholders at all levels, internal and external, including building and maintaining partnerships.
• Ability to lead and empower teams and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in English and working knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Oceanography, Marine Science, or related field. 
• Fundraising and resource mobilization experience.
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 107,405 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.