CEFAS24-46 Contract for technical advisory services on Potentially Polluting Wrecks (PPW) in Solomon Islands under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP)

Descriptions

The Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) is funded through UK official development assistance (ODA) as part of the UKs Blue Planet Fund. It aims to strengthen marine science expertise, develop science-based policy and management tools, and create educational resources for coastal communities under three main objectives described in terms of marine pollution, sustainable seafood, and marine biodiversity. Oil pollution from World War II (WWII) potentially polluting wrecks (PPW) threatens marine biodiversity, and the livelihoods and cultures of communities in the South Pacific's Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These SIDS are particularly at risk due to the combination of increasingly stressed marine ecosystems and the large number of wrecks within their coastal waters. Over 3800 wrecks remain on the Pacific floor, with more than 55 being identified as 'high-risk' of a potential contaminant release. Of these high-risk wrecks, 15 are found within the Solomon Islands, with many found in 'Iron Bottom Sound' and along the shores of Honiara, the country's capital, and major centre of population. These wrecks can contain large amounts of oil as cargo and/or bunker oil, and therefore pose a risk to the marine environment if left unmanaged. However, little is known about their status, or how deterioration could impact the fragile marine ecosystems and the communities that rely on them for food, culture, and income. Understanding these risks can inform proactive management options towards safeguarding the aquatic environment and the livelihoods of communities. The Supplier will deliver 2 work packages to cover: 1 - desk-based assessment on PPW for Solomon Islands 2 - workshop delivery for a four-day marine pollution response workshop in September/October 2024, in-person in the Solomon Islands, with key response stakeholders. Cefas will manage planning of the event in terms of venue, invitations to stakeholders etc. The workshop will include a range of aspects relating to spill response including contingency planning, preparedness, remote sensing, risk & impact assessment, and post spill monitoring.