Deadline Date: July 26, 2026
The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) Program is inviting qualified national service companies and consulting firms to conduct a feasibility study for developing a circular economy scheme for Abandoned, Lost or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) and End-of-Life Fishing Gear (EOLFG) management in Merauke, South Papua, Indonesia.
The focus of this assignment includes conducting a feasibility study on ALDFG/EOLFG management, assessing unused fishing gear buy-back mechanisms, developing circular economy options, evaluating collection and storage systems, identifying market opportunities, analysing value chains and business models, exploring environmentally sound reuse, recycling and disposal options, engaging stakeholders, and providing practical recommendations to support the design of a future pilot initiative in Merauke.
The selected national service company or consulting firm will work closely with the ATSEA Interim Regional Secretariat and relevant national and local stakeholders throughout the assignment. The study will include field assessments, consultations with fishing communities and government agencies, field observations, and analysis of existing fishing gear management practices in Merauke.
The consultancy is expected to produce several key outputs during the assignment. These include an inception report outlining the proposed methodology, workplan, stakeholder engagement approach, field schedule, sampling strategy, and data collection tools. A field data collection and assessment report will also be prepared, presenting initial findings from site visits, stakeholder consultations, preliminary net inventory, collection point assessments, and value-chain analysis. The assignment will conclude with a final feasibility study report containing recommendations for a locally appropriate circular economy scheme for ALDFG/EOLFG management, along with a final presentation summarizing the study findings and proposed implementation options.
The selected organization will be responsible for designing the study methodology, coordinating with ATSEA IRS and relevant stakeholders, conducting field assessments, analysing collected information, consulting on findings, and preparing the final feasibility study report. The methodology will be finalized during the inception phase in consultation with ATSEA IRS before field activities begin. The study is intended to assess the feasibility of a future buy-back scheme and will not involve implementing such a mechanism during this assignment.
Eligible organizations should demonstrate at least five years of relevant experience in fisheries, marine and coastal management, marine debris, waste management, circular economy, community development, market assessment, value-chain assessment, or related fields. Experience in conducting feasibility studies, engaging government agencies and local communities, facilitating participatory stakeholder processes, and working in eastern Indonesia or similar remote coastal areas will be considered advantageous. Established partnerships with government institutions, research organizations, community groups, recycling companies, logistics providers, or potential offtakers are also encouraged.
The proposed team should include a Team Leader or ALDFG and Fisheries Management Specialist, a Circular Economy and Community Development Specialist, and a Project Assistant responsible for administrative, financial, and management support. Each position requires relevant academic qualifications, professional experience, and language skills appropriate to the responsibilities described in the assignment.
For more information, visit ATSEA.
