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President Christian Meets Forum Fisheries Agency’s New Director-General

FSM Information Services

Press Release

President Christian Meets Forum Fisheries Agency’s New Director-General

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On April 30^th, 2019, prior to the 110^th Forum Fisheries Committee meeting to be held from May 6^th to May 10^th, 2019, Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director-General Dr. Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen had a courtesy call visit with His Excellency Peter M. Christian, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The discussions focused on FFA, fisheries management in the Pacific, and FSM-lead commitments such as the Technology for Tuna Transparency (T3) Challenge.

Amongst other outcomes, Director-General Dr. Tupou-Roosen reconfirmed FFA’s “full support” to help the FSM meet the T3 Challenge, which aims for 100% transparency in FSM’s fisheries by 2023 through the use of electronic monitoring (EM) and other means.

President Christian highlighted several areas he’d appreciate that the Forum Fisheries Committee discuss when they convene on May 6^th, 2019, including integrating fisheries into other sectors, with an emphasis on sustainable economic development, as well as collaboration on ensuring all stakeholders involved in fisheries—particularly those most vulnerable to exploitation, such as fishing aggregate device (FAD) watchers who, in other countries’ waters, can be at sea for months with virtually no external contact or resources—are treated fairly. “I wish the FSM could declare that to be human rights abuses,” the President said.

Director-General Dr. Tupou-Roosen appreciated that President Christian “highlighted a very important area,” adding that FFA is looking internally to determine what can be adopted as regional standards, to include labor conditions.

Finally, President Christian requested FFA’s assistance in acquiring additional patrol boats for the FSM, as well as all other large ocean states. “The economic zone of the FSM isn’t going to shrink…it’s going to continue to be about two million square miles.” While EM will improve the FSM’s capacity to limit IUU fishing, President Christian noted “we have to have the tools to get ourselves there [to enforce the law].”

“Thank you for raising that…we understand the challenge of the sheer size of our economic exclusive zones,” said Director-General Dr. Tupou-Roosen.

“Your qualifications and your experience are why I supported your nomination as Director-General…I look to you [and FFA] to continue to provide us help in improving our ability to guard our fisheries initiatives,” said President Christian. The FSM National Government has faith in the leadership capacity of Director-General Dr. Tupou-Roosen,  who has 20 years of fisheries experience with some key achievements including leading the drafting group on revised texts of the U.S. Tuna Treaty, and driving the successful implementation of the multilateral Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement.

The 110^th Forum Fisheries Committee meeting to take place in Pohnpei State from May 6^th to May 10^th, 2019 approximately coincides with the 40^th anniversary of the FFA. The FSM National Government is honored to host FFA officials and stakeholders, and recognizes that the FFA remains a symbol of regional solidarity and regional cooperation.

To learn more about FFA, visit their website at: https://www.ffa.int/.

Pictured Above: President Christian receives a gift from FFA Director-General Dr. Tupou-Roosen

Pictured Above: (LR) Mr. James Movick (Consultant to the President), the Honorable Allan Lahari (Director of Fisheries Operations, Forum Fisheries Agency), the Honorable Marion Henry (Secretary, Department of Resources & Development), His Excellency Peter M. Christian (President, Federated States of Micronesia), the Honorable Dr. Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen (Director-General, Forum Fisheries Agency), the Honorable Eugene Pangelinan (Executive Director, National Oceanic Resource Management Authority),the Honorable Samson Pretrick (Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs)

ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYMPOSIUM

COMMITTING TO FISHERIES TRANSPARENCY…BY 2023

GET HOOKED ON EM…

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 Get Hooked on the Electronic Monitoring Symposium in

The Federated States of Micronesia, April 10-12, 2019

Join us in transforming how seafood is managed worldwide

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. January 16, 2019 – The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is excited to announce a first of its kind symposium from April 10-12, 2019 in Pohnpei assemble key senior officials from Pacific nations and tuna management institutions to examine how electronic monitoring (EM) can be used to drive more sustainable fishing practices. Why is EM so important? EM systems use technology such as video, cameras, remote sensors, global positioning system (GPS) satellites, and hard drives installed on fishing boats to automatically gather critical fisheries data. With EM, we can stop illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which robs Pacific island nations of more than USD$600 million a year and we can ensure that tuna continues to feed the world’s growing population.

Three months ago, when President Peter M. Christian declared FSM’s commitment to achieve full tuna fishery transparency by 2023, he was not going to wait to take action. He set the example for other Pacific island nations– introduce EM and improve human observer coverage for all the industrial tuna fishing vessels in FSM’s waters. With more than half of the global tuna supply coming from the western and central Pacific Ocean, there is a need to collect better fisheries data through EM to ensure that food resources and livelihoods continue to exist for future generations. And that we minimize bycatch of at-risk species like sharks, rays, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals.

And now the call to action: President Christian, with support from The Nature Conservancy, is challenging FSM’s neighboring Pacific island countries to meet this same goal through the Technology for Tuna Transparency (T-3) Challenge. The T-3 Challenge is a combination of monitoring and regional pacts aimed at improving fishing oversight. The initiative represents the first time a developing country has committed to 100% transparency in its fishery operations; if it succeeds, it could trigger a transformation of how seafood is managed worldwide.

The FSM is not alone in this challenge. The Parties to the Nauru agreement (PNA), which includes the eight Pacific island nations that control over 50 percent of the world’s supply of skipjack tuna and get as much as 50 percent of their national income from fishery revenues, are adopting EM programs. Taking into account FSM’s leadership on the T-3 Challenge, the PNA Office will launch EM programs within the region to help advance this critical goal.

In support of the T-3 Challenge and the growing EM interest within PNA, FSM is hosting an EM symposium in Pohnpei, FSM from April 10-12, 2019. The goal is to align on a shared regional vision for the application of EM. This will also provide an opportunity to share lessons learned and best practices for evolving EM programs in the western and central Pacific Oceans. The expected outcomes are: (1) clear commitments from other Pacific islands nations to the T-3 Challenge, (2) a shared vision for EM, (3) enhanced knowledge of EM and EM program design and implementation, and (4) an appreciation of the challenges and advantages of EM.

We believe that fish, marine ecosystems, and people can coexist and thrive, and that the road to sustainability runs through community empowerment. We hope this vision will be shared by FSM’s Pacific neighbors, consumer advocates, and fishing partners. Protecting half of the world’s tuna stocks could be just the start of the global transparency revolution needed to protect our oceans – and our future.

Join us at the EM symposium from April 10-12, 2019 in Pohnpei, FSM and take the first step in securing the global tuna supply and ensuring the socio-economic well-being of Pacific island nations.

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About The Federated States of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) – made up of the four island states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae – has a population of 103,000 people and shares maritime borders with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, Guam and Papua New Guinea. The capital, Palikir, is located on the island of Pohnpei. Learn

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

NOTICE OF INVITATION TO QUOTE (ITQ) – PICKUP TRUCKS

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PROVISION OF PICK-UP TRUCKS

CONTRACT REFERENCE: FM-NORMA-50002-GO-RFQ

The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia’s National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program, and intends to apply part of the proceeds towards the procurement of two (2) 4WD crew-cab pick-up trucks.

FSM NORMA is now seeking offers from suitably qualified and experienced vendors/suppliers to supply these pick-up trucks to be provided for use by FSM NORMA satellite offices.

Bidding will be conducted through the Shopping procedures specified in the World Bank Procurement of Goods, Works, and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers”, January 2011 and Revised July 2014, and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines. .

Interested eligible vendors/suppliers can obtain further information from and must also request a formal Invitation To Quote (ITQ) preferably by October 29, 2018 (Pohnpei Local Time) from the following email address. 

Mr. Okean Ehmes
PROP Project Coordinator
okean.ehmes@norma.fm

Quotations in English in response to ITQs must be delivered to the address below at or before 5:00 p.m., 16 November 2018 (Pohnpei local time). Late quotations will be rejected and FSM NORMA reserves the right to reject any and all quotations submitted. Quotations may be submitted by email, courier or delivered by hand to the address below:

Mr. Eugene Pangelinan
Executive Director
FSM National Oceanic Resource Management Authority
Attn: PROP
FSM National Government
P.O. Box PS-122
Kolonia, Pohnpei 96941
Federated States of Micronesia
Telephone: (691) 320-2700/5181
E-mail address: norma@mail.fm and copy to okean.ehmes@norma.fm

INVITATION TO QUOTE – STANDBY GENERATOR

 NOTICE OF INVITATION TO QUOTE

PROVISION OF STANDBY GENERATOR

CONTRACT REFERENCE: FM-NORMA-49996-GO-RFP

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 The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program, and intends to apply part of the proceeds towards the procurement of one standby generator.

FSM NORMA is now seeking offers from suitably qualified and experienced vendors/suppliers to supply and install a backup generator for use by FSM NORMA at its office in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.  It is expected that vendor shall provide a quotation or proposal that may involve the following:

• Provide a standby generator in consideration of NORMA electricity requirements currently estimated to be around 13,500 watts or 13.5 kilowatts which is based on the existing load plus 10% for additional load.
• Install and connect standby generator within housing acceptably built by vendor (details to be provided in ITQ) including provision of all necessary connection accessories and housing materials and collaborating with local utilities company to ensure proper hook-up for automatic transmission switching.
• Provide basic user training on generator proper use and maintenance including the provision of a user-friendly maintenance plan for the expected life of the proposed generator.

Bidding will be conducted through the Shopping procedures specified in the Guidelines for Procurement of Goods, Works, and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 and Revised July 2014 and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines.

Interested eligible vendors/suppliers can obtain further information from and must also request a formal Invitation To Quote (ITQ) preferably by July 15, 2018 (Pohnpei Local Time) from the following email address.  Mr. OKean Ehmes, PROP Project Coordinator, okean.ehmes@norma.fm.

Quotations in English in response to ITQs must be delivered to the address below at or before 5:00 p.m., 31 July 2018 (Pohnpei local time). Late quotations will be rejected and FSM NORMA reserves the right to reject any and all quotations submitted. Quotations may be submitted by email, courier or delivered by hand to the address below:

Mr. Eugene Pangelinan

Executive Director

FSM National Oceanic Resource Management Authority

Attn: PROP

FSM National Government

P.O. Box PS-122

Kolonia, Pohnpei   96941

Federated States of Micronesia

Telephone: (691) 320-2700/5181

E-mail address: norma@mail.fm and copy to okean.ehmes@norma.fm

Longline Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) Workshop

Longline Vessel Day Scheme Workshop Sets New Goals For FSM

FSM, NORMA

On June 11-13, 2018, FSM National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA held FSM’s first Longline Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) Workshop at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission in Kolonia, Pohnpei. The workshop was organized in collaboration with the

FSM LL VDS Workshop Participants, WCPFC Headquarters, Pohnpei, FSM

Forum Fisheries Agency and the Office of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, and with funding assistance by the World Bank PROP. The objective of the workshop was to sensitize stakeholders about the Longline VDS and together explore the opportunities available in the FSM States for development of the longline fishery. Participants to the workshop included representatives from the FSM Department of Resources and Development andHeads or Senior Officials of State Departments’ of Fisheries, Economic Affairs, Investment, and Non-Government Organizations responsible for Natural Resource Management, and representatives from Lianchang Overseas Fishery, which is the only onshore investor in the longline fishery for FSM. Facilitator for the workshop was Mr. Wez Norris, former Deputy Director General of FFA and now Consultant to the PNAO.

The LL VDS workshop commenced with welcoming remarks by the Executive Director of NORMA, Mr. Eugene Pangelinan, who welcomed and thanked participants for their attendance, and highlighted the importance of the workshop and FSM’s objective to develop the longline fishery in the FSM. Although the longline fishery is a minor contributer to FSM’s access fee revenues, there is great potential for onshore investment and generation of additional economic benefits in the form of employment and taxes and local provisions if well planned and implemented collectively nationwide. It was therefore important for participants to discuss how the States could facilitate these investments and maximize the returns to FSM from its longline fishery.   He emphasized that the longline fishery suffered a decline in the mid 1990’s when one large foreign company departed the FSM leaving FSM with infrastructure that was hardly ever used again. Today, the opportunity to rebuild the industry is there with the support of Lian Cheng, who has remained in the fishery despite the many difficulties and challenges. FSM needs to work closely with the private sector to reinvigorate this industry which has remained dormant for decades.

The Secretary of FSM R&D, Honorable Marion Henry followed with opening remarks, highlighting the importance of the fisheries sector to FSM and the importance of having a Fisheries Investment Policy which would provide a guideline of how fisheries investments could be facilitated.

Representatives from Liancheng Overseas Fishery presented on the company’s current investments in the FSM and its future expansion plans, and spoke of theissues or challenges the company currently faced in the respective States they have invested in, including how the government could assist to ensure their investments are able to continue to grow.

In addition to being sensitized about fisheries in the Pacific Islands, the PNA longline vessel day scheme and performance of the longline fishery in the FSM, participants were given the opportunity to discuss in working groups their State priorities and investment potentials, as well as the current challenges faced in each State and actions that need to be taken to address those challenges. Those discussions were an important result of the workshop as it would feed into the Fisheries Investment Policy that FFA is currently assisting the FSM Government with. It is anticipated that by the end of this year this Fisheries Investment Policy would be completed.