Fish monitoring system Consultant in Lang Sen Wetland Preserve

Background

Lang Sen Wetland Reserve is located in Vinh Loi commune, Tan Hung district, Long An province, in a low floodplain called the Plain of Reeds. A great diversity of geomorphological conditions in the area results in a high diversity of wetland ecosystems: marsh, seasonally inundated grassland, melaleuca forest, flooded forest, riverine etc. These ecosystems harbor a rich diversity of plants and animals. Preliminary survey results show 156 species of plants belonging to 60 families; 149 species of vertebrates in 46 families, including 13 species in Vietnam's Red Book (Le Phat Quoi et al, 2006); and 86 species of fish belonging to 9 families (Bui, 2008). Together with Tram Chim National Park, Lang Sen is a priority wetland conservation area and the last remnants of the Plain of Reed natural wetland .

To ensure the sustainable management the wetland area and improve ecosystem health, WWF-Vietnam and Lang Sen Wetland Reserve are implementing the project “Avoidance of maladaptation through climate smart agriculture and restoration of Lang Sen Wetland Reserve in Vietnam”. As part of this, we are working on restoration of the semi-natural wetland habitat by different techniques. Several indicators will be identified using suitable monitoring protocols such as water quality, vegetation, water birds, and fish. Fish are an important component of aquatic ecosystems, especially in wetland areas, through their role in the aquatic food chain and they can have a significant influence on the structure and function of these ecosystems. Because of this, adverse effects on fish can have adverse flow–on effects on other aquatic organisms even if they are not directly affected by other changes such as water quality.

Therefore, we are seeking a consultant(s) to review, assess the fish community structure and develop fish monitoring system in Lang Sen Wetland Reserve, which will support both water management and wetland conservation of the Reserve. This terms of reference addresses the roles and responsibilities of the consultant(s) who are required to carry out the above mentioned tasks.

Objectives

The overall objective of this consultancy is to review the existing resources and practices, assess the fish community structure and to develop an appropriate fish monitoring system in Lang Sen Wetland Reserve.

Specific objectives of this task are:

• Review the existing documents and current fish monitoring practices in Lang Sen Wetland Reserve to define strengths, limitations and rooms for improvements;
• Select the appropriate sampling methods and gears to measure the fish community structure and develop fish monitoring system;
• Provide hands-on training to project staff and Lang Sen Wetland Reserve.

Location

• WWF-Vietnam field office in Ho Chi Minh city (base)
• Tan An and Lang Sen Wetland Reserve, Tan Hung district, Long An province (field)

Deliverables

• Fish community structure catalogue (soft version)
• Fish monitoring protocol produced for the staff to be able to follow with clear step to step guidelines laying out exactly how they implement the monitoring plan, including: steps, preparation, data collection, data entry, data analysis .
• Provision of a hand-on training on the fish monitoring protocol for Lang Sen Wetland Reserve staff and project staff
• Training materials (agenda, handouts, teaching aids…)
• A technical report (max. 30 pages in Vietnamese and English translation, following a template agreed with the project) describing:
• Methodology: processes, site selection, sampling methods, gear, data collection and analysis, training
• The attributes and importance of the fish community in the Reserve: relative abundance, species richness and significant influence to the structure and function of the ecosystems
• Fish monitoring system
• Baseline results and what the ideal condition of fish status should be in Lang Sen Wetland Reserve
• Results of field work and discussions
• Conclusion and recommendations

Time and management

This consultancy work is 10 working days (travel days not included), and expected to start in March 2015. The consultant(s) will be working closely with the project assigned staff of WWF-Vietnam and Lang Sen Wetland Reserve, and under the supervision of the Project Manager and the person assigned by WWF-Vietnam following the workplan and timeline mutually agreed.

Requirement of the consultants

The consultant(s) is expected to meet the following requirements:

• At least bachelor degree, preferred degree in fishery, aquatic resources related to ecological conservation.
• Over 5 years of work experience in aquatic basic inventory, freshwater resources, ecological conservation.
• Have a sound knowledge of aquatic biodiversity and natural resources, preferably in the Mekong Delta
• Fluency in English will be an advantage.