Terms of References (ToR) of International Consultant
Terms of References (ToR)
Assignment on Increased Production of Crablets at the Hatchery and Improvement of Nursery and Grow-out Management
Background:
Currently mud crab (Scylla spp.) farming has emerged as an alternative livelihood option, a source of income and nutrition for the vulnerable coastal communities in Bangladesh to adapt to the adverse impact of climate change. There are about 300,000 people directly or indirectly connected with mud crab farming. With the expansion of the crab production area the demand for seed-stock has increased. The seed stock needed for mud crab farming is collected from the wild stock of the estuaries and mangroves of the Sundarbans putting the integrity of the Sundarbans’ eco-system and biodiversity under threat. The over exploitation of the wild population, would also lead to a situation where the existing crab industry can no longer be sustained, which in turn would the affect the livelihoods of a large number of people. To address the problem, Nowabenki Gonomukhi Foundation (NGF) established a crab hatchery in 2016 in Shyamnagar Upazila of Sathira District with the support of PKSF. However, given the survival rate below 3%, the crablet production at the hatchery is too low to meet up the demand. The constraints behind the low survival rate at hatchery are inadequate technical knowledge and skills in broodstock management, Zoea rearing, feeding, management of high mortality during the metamorphism of Zoea-V to Megalopa, water quality management etc.
To increase the technical knowledge and skills of the crab hatchery technicians Feed the Future Bangladesh Aquaculture and Nutrition Activity supported and NGF implemented intervention “Promotion of Sustainable Crab farming in South-West Region of Bangladesh” is looking for an expert with hands on experience in mud crab (both Scylla olivacea and Scylla Serrata) hatchery, nursery and grow-out operations.
Objectives of the consultancy:
The main objectives of the consultancy are to increase the survival rate and production of crablets at the hatchery and improve nursery and grow-out management aiming to increase crab production in the region.
The Specific objectives are-
- To identify the problems in current crablet production practices at the hatchery and address those accordingly.
- To improve water management and water quality maintenance at the hatchery
- To improve broodstock management, maintenance of disease free berried crabs, and successful hatching.
- To improve Zoeal rearing with with emphasis on Zoea-V to megalopa stage and reduce the mortality rate.
- To reduce abnormal molting and cannibalism.
- To improve biosecurity management.
- To improve crablet transport techniques.
- To improved nursery and grow-out management.
Scope of the work:
- The consultant will review the hatchery operation manual of NGF and find out the constraints to determine factors responsible for low survivability of crablets.
- Conduct visits to different crab hatcheries, crab fattening, and soft shell crab farms and discussions with relevant people to have a clear understanding of local resources, facilities, challenges and practices for crablet production and crab culture.
- Develop training materials on crablet production at the hatchery based on local need.
- Develop training materials on crab nursery and grow-out management based on the local need.
- Conduct training and demonstrate crablet production techniques at the hatchery.
- Conduct training on crab nursery and grow-out management.
- Demonstrate techniques for two complete overlapping cycle of crablet production at the hatchery.
Methodology:
The Consultant will work intensively with the NGF Crab Hatchery Manager and Technicians staying at the Guesthouse of NGF or any suitable accommodation close to the hatchery. After assessment of the local context and preparation of required materials, S/he will conduct a 1-day training on “Crablet Production at the Hatchery, Improvement of Crab Nursery and Grow-out Management” in Shyamnagar for the Manager and Technicians of NGF Crab Hatchery. S/he will conduct the same training in Cox’s Bazar for the Managers and Technicians of the crab hatcheries of the Government Department of Fisheries and other crab hatcheries. The 1-day training will help to increase the knowledge of the hatchery managers, and technicians on crablet production at hatcheries and improved crab nursery and grow-out management. As the main task of the assignment, the Consultant will demonstrate each step of crablet production at NGF hatchery in two overlapping production cycles for a period of 33 days.
Deliverables:
Following events, reports, IEC materials and documents to be completed/delivered-
- Completion of the training on “Crablet Production at Hatcheries, and Improvement of Crab Nursery and Grow-out Management in two locations.
- Successful run of at least two overlapping crablet production cycles at NGF Hatchery.
- Potential reduction of mortality during the metamorphism of Zoea-V to Megalopa.
- Increased crablet production at about 5% survival rate.
- Training materials on crablet production, crab nursery, and grow-out management.
- Materials on improved management of crab brood stock and hatchery operation.
- Final Report on the assignment detailing the tasks conducted with the highlight of the issues and measures taken/to be taken for remedy
Timeline:
The service agreement will be for 40-60 working days between March 2023 and August’23. Training materials on crablet production, and crab nursery, and grow-out management need to be submitted to NGF within 7 days after the commencement of the training. Materials on improved management of crab broodstock and hatchery operation need to be submitted within the 2nd week of the hatchery operation. The final report on the assignment needs to be submitted within 7 days of the completion of crablet production cycles.
Education and other qualifications:
The consultant requires Higher Secondary education/Diploma in Aquaculture/relevant field with at least 8 years of hands on experience in Crab hatchery operation and crab farming or Masters/Bachelor degree in Aquaculture/Fisheries with at least 5 years of hands on experience in crab hatchery operation and crab farming.
Financial Proposal:
The consultant is requested to propose an estimated cost outlining the details of the task. The consultant budget should cover consultancy fees, international and local travels, perdiem, Accommodation etc. The Financial Proposal shall specify a total delivery amount (in USD/BDT) including mentioning taxes & Vat. Tax and VAT shall be deducted from the contract amount according to the Government Rules and Regulations.
Mode of Payment:
NGF will pay the cost of the consultant subject to the completion and acceptance of all deliverables. Payments will be made based on the following milestones-
- 1st Payment: The 1st payment will be made upon submission and acceptance of the training materials on crablet production, and crab nursery, grow-out management and submission of details Implementation Plan (DIP).
- 2nd Payment: The 2nd payment will be made upon submission and acceptance of the materials on improved management of crab broodstock and hatchery operation.
- Final Payment: The final payment will be made upon submission and acceptance of the final report on the assignment detailing the tasks conducted with the highlight of the issues and measures taken/to be taken for remedy.