21 April 2015
Terms of Reference:
A feasibility study to assess situation for protecting native
fish species through sustainable harvest of carnivorous
trout species in cold waters of Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan)
1. INTRODUCTION
Type:
Desk and field based
Duration:
03 Months (02 May 2015 – 31 July 2015)
This consultancy is part of the WWF-Pakistan Small Grants Programme funded project titled
“Protecting native fish species through sustainable harvest of carnivorous trout species in cold
waters of Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan)” implemented by WWF-Pakistan’s regional office, Gilgit.
2. BACKGROUND
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has immense natural endowment of freshwater resources. Its gushing
rivers, singing streams and fresh water lakes have a wide range of native and exotic fish species.
The cold and fresh waters of GB are known to have 20 different species of freshwater fish,
including 17 natives and three exotics whereas four species are endemic to GB region (Rafiq et
al., 2013). Prominent among exotic species is Brown Trout, which was introduced into GB in
early 1900s. Being carnivorous in feeding, this species has now well established and thus
abundant in all major rivers, streams and lakes of GB. Ghizer River and its tributaries, streams
and lakes upstream Gilgit in particular, are considered to be the most potential areas of Brown
Trout. However, distribution of different species, their key habitats, abundance and total
allowable stock is yet to be known.
This study is therefore specially designed to conduct a detailed feasibility assessment of the
potential for sustainable cold-water fisheries in GB, starting with Ghizer-the land of lakes, to
assess potential for establishing two pilot sites, one for conservation of native fish species and
the other to promote sustainable harvest of exotic trout fish from mix species water bodies, for
conservation, food, and sale.
The study specifically aims to
a. Appraise the current status and distribution of native and exotic fish species in Ghizer valley;
b. Assess existing stock of trout fish in potential rivers, streams and lakes;
c. Develop design/s for future conservation and commercialization pilots in most potential
native and exotic fish areas; and
d. Provide site-specific recommendations for viable businesses in cold-water fisheries in GB.
3. MAJOR TASKS
1) Collect and review relevant literature to identify potential sites and significant knowledge
gaps;
2) Develop standard scientific methodologies and equipment for field survey;
3) Train the project team (GB Fisheries and WWF staff) in identification, distribution mapping
and stock assessment of fish resources;
4) Plan and conduct field survey to:
a. Determine key fish fauna, their diversity, and conservation status;
b. Identify immediate and proximate threats to native and exotic species;
c. Assess their abundance and total stock available;
d. Appraise socio-economic dependence of local communities on fish resources for
livelihood and household income;
5) Report covering but not limited to the following;
a. Introduction (background, review of literature, knowledge gaps, objectives)
b. Methodology (Study area, survey design, analysis)
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c. Results (Fish species, their diversity and conservation status, distribution of native and
exotic species, trout abundance and stock etc.)
d. Discussion (existing and emerging threats to native species, socio-economic analysis i.e.,
community based fisheries as a livelihood strategies, potential for viable business in trout
fisheries, management options, and prospective project design/s for sustainable
management of cold water fish resources in the region)
e. Conclusion (socio-ecologically significant study findings and recommendations fostering
site specific strategies for conservation and commercialization of native and exotic/trout
species).
4. DELIVERABLES
1) A comprehensive survey report (following the structure proposed in Para 5 above);
2) Strategies for sustainable management of trout and native fish species, and
3) A plan for training and capacity building of fisheries department, communities and other
relevant stakeholders.
5. ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATION
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Masters or Doctoral degree in Fisheries management, Zoology or NRM;
Working knowledge and experience of cold water fisheries in Pakistan;
Familiarity with eco-geography, culture and value based systems of Gilgit-Baltistan;
Excellent communication and English writing skills.
COMPETENCIES
 Demonstrated openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
 Proven ability of analytical work and excellent report writing;
 Proactive and able to work with minimal supervision and high degree of initiative, reliability,
flexibility, motivation, and resourcefulness;
 Professionalism, flexibility to make ad-hoc changes as and when needed;
 Ability to perform under stress, and willingness to keep working hours flexible.
6. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHILE SUBMITTING THE PROPOSAL
Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to
demonstrate their eligibility and appropriateness to undertake this assignment:
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Proposal: Explaining why they are the most suitable candidate for this work essentially
explaining the scientific methodologies he/she may like to apply
Financial proposal including fee, travel cost (if any), and other relevant expenses;
Curriculum vitae, not exceeding 3 pages.
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