Organization Background
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit organization, established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, provide science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With long-term commitments globally in more than 60 countries, WCS has combined biological knowledge, local knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. WCS presence in the Philippines started in 2022, focus on MPAs, fisheries management, conservation of endangered, threatened and protected species, and small-scale fisheries of the Bohol Sea, with a primary focus on Siquijor Island.
WCS’ model site Siquijor island was a potential candidate for Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) based on the informal interviews and mapping conducted with some of the Siquijor Provincial Coastal Resource Management Alliance – Technical Working Group (SPCRMA-TWG) members, the data gathered data revealed the presence of approximately 9 shark and ray species, including CITES-listed species and its observed behavior in the island. This data indicates the species diversity of sharks on the island and highlights potential conservation needs.
Therefore, a follow-up survey is needed to formalize the data collection process, including municipalities not covered in the initial survey. Despite the initial opportunistic participatory mapping to identify important shark areas in Siquijor with SPCRMA-TWG members in Maria, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor and Lazi last November 2023, the available gathered data did not meet the criteria for an ISRA due to insufficient media materials and published studies referencing the occurrence of sharks and rays in the island.
Objectives
WCS Philippines’ overall goal is to see a measurable decline in fishing mortality of priority shark and ray families below current baselines in the Bohol Sea through applied research and management interventions.
WCS aims to support related baseline studies within Bohol Sea that will contribute to the Philippines database management system on shark research, policies, and management. Specifically, a contractor to conduct a study to assess the status of shark and ray incidence in Siquijor island and understand its interactions with local communities through quantitative research, identify potential important habitat areas for cartilaginous fishes and policy development for the conservation of sharks and rays in Bohol Sea. Specifically, it aims to:
1. Gather basic cartilaginous fish data including:
a. presence within the municipal waters and other identified traditional fishing grounds in Siquijor;
b. species composition; and
c. community perceptions and utilization of sharks and rays.
2. Explore localization of the pending Shark Bill in Siquijor and generate recommendations to support conservation management initiatives of important shark and ray species and their habitats.
To achieve these objectives, WCS is seeking a consultant with the expertise and resources to lead qualitative social surveys and data analysis, supporting data-driven policy and management recommendations for protecting key shark habitats with a community-oriented approach.
Scope of Service
This research study will provide foundational data on cartilaginous fish incidences on the island, where data are limited or unavailable. The study aims to provide the following: (1) inventory of cartilaginous fish species and distribution of caught and landed sharks at fish landing sites or local markets, and (2) recommendations for further conservation and management initiatives in Siquijor island.
The expected outputs are the following:
1. Raw data (photos, videos, quantitative data) compiled in a database.
2. Interim report including preliminary results (with preliminary maps, findings, permits and other supporting documents).
3. Full Technical Report – template to be provided by WCS, including other supporting documents, processed maps, and recommendations for future actions.
4. Documented validation and presentation to the community of research findings across the six municipalities (including presentation materials).
All outputs and reports are to be submitted to Project Coordinator for Shark and Ray Conservation, Sue Ong (song@wcs.org) and copy furnish Senior Conservation Impact Manager, Marianne Saniano (msaniano@wcs.org).
Duration
The duration of the project will run from October 28, 2024, to February 7, 2025.
Reporting Requirements and Release of Payments
Travel costs, meals, and other operational costs are exclusive of the consulting fee and will be shouldered by WCS Philippines following the WCS finance policies and guidelines.
The payment will be subject to applicable taxes where required.
Research Team Composition
The contractor shall list those who will carry out the research work, identifying the proposed principal investigator and team members with their roles indicated. A resume of each member of the project team shall be submitted, highlighting members’ relevant experiences.
Qualifications and Selection Criteria
a. The consultant will work closely with WCS Philippines Program Implementation and Conservation Impact Units and must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and capacity in:
1) Shark and ray research, conservation and management concerns in the Philippines
2) Participatory and GIS software
3) Understanding and respect for local cultures and practices; including roll-out of free prior and informed consent
4) Managing projects; including planning, execution, budgeting, and monitoring
5) Explaining technical concept to non-technical audience
6) Knowledgeable in the permitting system and getting informed consent in the community with regards to fish enumeration, tissue sampling, and other shark related data gathering and handling concerns
7) Willing to undergo training on Research Involving Data and Specimens (WCS led)
Costing and Proposal Submission
Interested contractors/individuals must submit the following documents enumerated below to contactph@wcs.org not later than October 23, 2024. You can send also on this email any inquiries about this advertisement.
1) Work, Technical and Financial Proposal for the scope of services
2) Sample Relevant Report or Publication
3) Individual/Company/ Organization Profile
4) Business and SEC Registration, if applicable
5) Operations, Accounting and Financial Manuals/SOPs (or equivalent), if applicable
6) Curriculum Vitae of Team Members
We will only notify shortlisted contractors/individuals before or/after deadlines of the submission. See full view of this proposal : Call Out Proposal_Shark Research Study_WCS.pdf
Job Type: Part-time