Research assistant

Mitigating the Threat of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular
Caribbean Project - Caribbean Regional Project

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Management & Control of the Lionfish, Pterois volitans and Pterois miles in
Jamaica

1.0 PURPOSE OF REGIONAL PROJECT

The purpose of the terms of reference is to set out the responsibilities of the Research
Assistant for the Lionfish Pilot over the life of the GEF/UNEP/CABI‐MTIASIC Project.
The overall goal and objective respectively, are:

A. To conserve globally important ecosystems, species and genetic biodiversity
within Jamaica

B. To mitigate threat to local biodiversity and economy from IAS including
terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.


2.0 BACKGROUND TO REGIONAL PROJECT

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are a major threat to the vulnerable marine, freshwater and
terrestrial biodiversity. IAS are a major interest to the Island of Jamaica as they pose a
direct threat to the high level of biodiversity the Island enjoys. Jamaica’s industries are
centred on the country’s biodiversity. As such a decrease in biodiversity threatens the
livelihood of fishers, farmers, and persons employed to the tourism industry. Negative
impact on these industries as a result of IAS will result in a significant reduction in
Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP). The project objective is to mitigate the threat to
local biodiversity and economy from IAS. This will be achieved through five main
initiatives: increasing the national capacity to address potential risks posed to
biodiversity of global significance from invasive alien species; increasing regional
cooperation to reduce risk posed to biodiversity of global significance from invasive
alien species; strengthening access to data and establishment of best practice, and public
awareness of IAS; increasing capacity to strengthen prevention of new IAS
introductions; and increased capacity to respond, control and manage IAS impacting
globally significant biodiversity. The fifth initiative includes the implementation of pilot
projects to control and manage the spread of the Lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois
miles) in Jamaica; protection of the endemic Jamaican Iguana through monitoring and
selective eradication of predators; and control and management of the Melalucea (Paper
Bark Tree) in the Lower Black River Morass.
Amongst the major outputs of the project are:
1. Development of National IAS Strategy
2. Establishment of Caribbean‐wide Cooperation and Strategy
3. Knowledge generation, management and dissemination
4. Increase capacity to strengthen prevention of new IAS introduction in terrestrial,
freshwater, and marine systems
5. Increase capacity to detect, respond, control and manage IAS impacts in
terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems


The Project is being implemented by the National Environment and Planning Agency
(NEPA) through its Strategic Planning, Policies and Projects (SPP&P) Division. A Project
Implementation Unit (PIU) is established in this Division. The PIU works closely with
the officers of the Ecosystems Management and Protected Areas Branches of NEPA for
technical guidance.


3.0 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The activities being undertaken to meet Project objective and fulfill output requirements
are as follows:
▪ Strengthening the enabling policy and institutional environment for crosssectoral
prevention and management of invasions
▪ Implementing communication and prevention strategies that emphasises
pathways and an ecosystem approach to managing invasions
▪ Developing and implementing appropriate risk analysis procedures for nonnative
species importations
▪ Early detection and rapid response procedures for management of nascent
infestation
▪ Managing priority alien species invasions in pilot sites to ensure conservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity


PILOT PROJECT /TARGET AREAS

The Lionfish Pilot Project

The objective of the Pilot is to control and manage the spread of the Lionfish
(Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) in Jamaica. This will be achieved through
mapping of island‐wide distribution of the species; determining prey preference;
development of a passive trapping mechanism; public education and training;
and development of a Lionfish Management Plan. The Lionfish Pilot activities
will focus on 6 sites:
▪ Discovery Bay ▪ Portland
▪ Montego Bay Marine Park ▪ Port Royal
▪ Negril (along 7 mile strip) ▪ Pedro Cays


4.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The Research Assistant for the Lionfish Pilot will carry out the following tasks:

1. Assist with SCUBA surveys on lionfish populations
2. Assist with field and laboratory experiments on the lionfish
3. Update database with accurate information regularly
4. Maintain live lionfish specimens in the laboratory’s aquaria
5. Coordinate field logistics
6. Perform any other related duties applicable to such portfolio as assigned
by the Project Coordinator or Pilot Project Manager


5.0 EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

a) Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology, natural resource
management, ecology, zoology, or any other related discipline
b) Be SCUBA Certified
c) Be of good health to SCUBA Dive and able to manage in the field for long
hours
d) Have a valid Driver’s Licence
e) Be able to use efficiently Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Access)
f) Have strong writing skills and oral communication skills
g) Skills with underwater photography as well as GIS are desirable

6.0 LEVEL OF EFFORT


The Research Assistant is expected to provide the required services to the project over
thirty six (36) months.


7.0 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The Lionfish Pilot Research Assistant will report to the National Project Coordinator of
the GEF/UNEP/CABI‐ MTIASIC Project.


8.0 Duty Station

It is expected that the Research Assistant spends extended periods of time at the
UWI Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory and Field Station (DBML‐St. Ann) –
Marine Invasive Species Lab under the supervision of Dr. Dayne Buddo.

Deadline for submission is Friday, September 24, 2010 at 4:30pm

While we appreciate all applications, only short-listed applicants will be contacted

Applications must be submitted by email to:

HRM@nepa.gov.jm or in writing to

Manager, Human Resources Management and Development Branch
National Environment & Planning Agency
11 Caledonia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica WI


--
Regards
Dayne

Dr. Dayne Buddo
Marine Biologist
Lecturer & Academic Coordinator
Discovery Bay Marine Lab
Centre for Marine Sciences
University of the West Indies
Jamaica WI
Tel: 973-2241/973-2946
St. Line: 973-9220
Cell: 379-6148
Email: daynebuddo@gmail.com
Email 2: dayne.buddo@uwimona.edu.jm