A Strategic Study on Reducing Plastic from Fisheries in Tunisian Ports, with a focus on Tabarka and Gabes-WWF عودة إلى الفرص

A Strategic Study on Reducing Plastic from Fisheries in Tunisian Ports, with a focus on Tabarka and Gabes

• Background

WWF North Africa (WWF NA) is part of the WWF global network and leads conservation and climate resilience efforts across the North African region. The office works at the interface of science, policy, and community engagement to conserve biodiversity, restore critical ecosystems, and promote sustainable natural resource management. WWF NA collaborates closely with national authorities, regional institutions, civil society, and local communities to deliver inclusive, evidence-based solutions aligned with national priorities and international environmental commitments.  

In this context, WWF North Africa is implementing the Plastic Smart Ports project to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable fisheries in Tunisian coastal areas, with two pilot ports: Tabarka and Gabès.

The project focuses on minimizing single-use plastics, improving recycling practices, and preventing ghost gear in fishing shelters and tourism-oriented ports. In Tunisia, the pilot ports selected are Tabarka and Gabès, which represent key hubs for artisanal and small-scale fisheries.

• Objectives of the assignment

In Tabarka and Gabès ports, the consultant will:

1. Analyze the flow of plastic waste from fishing activities, including styrofoam/plastic boxes, fishing gear components (i.e swimmers, buoys, sink lines), and other plastic items potentially entering the marine environment.
2. Prepare a current situation analysis report based on collected data.
3. Evaluate existing waste management practices, focusing on : 

• Storage and disposal of end-of-life gear.
• Proximity of gear storage to the sea.
• Waste companies’ acceptance and processing methods.
• Separation practices and reuse of gear components.

1. Identify alternative solutions for reducing plastic use in fisheries (reuse systems, recycling, material substitution).
2. Contribute to the development of a waste management scheme for pilot ports, including recommendations for gear collection and recycling.

• Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Investigate types and quantities of plastic materials used by fishers in Tabarka and Gabès.
• Conduct interviews with local stakeholders including fisher cooperatives (GDP), port authorities, municipalities, and waste management companies.
• Review Tunisian legal frameworks (e.g., national waste management laws, gear reporting obligations, Zero Waste initiatives) and municipal action plans.
• Facilitate stakeholder workshops in both ports and present plastic reduction options.
• Assess technical and economic feasibility of sector-specific waste collection and recycling systems.
• Develop policy recommendations and financing models (e.g., cooperative-based systems, municipal support, etc.).

Deliverables

• Comprehensive report including: 

• Baseline analysis of plastic usage and waste flows in bothareas (Tabarka and Gabes).
• Recommendations for gear collection and recycling systems.
• Feasible alternatives for fishboxes and gear materials.

• Step-by-step roadmap for short-, medium-, and long-term implementation.
• Workshop materials (ppt, tools) and stakeholder engagement plan.

Confidentiality

All interviewees’ personal data will remain strictly confidential. The study findings will be published as part of the Plastic Smart Ports project deliverables. All project-related data and reports are the exclusive property of the Project Consortium and may not be disclosed or used externally without prior written consent.

• Consultant profile, duration & budget

Profile

• Local consultant with an academic background in Environmental Science, Fisheries sector, Waste Management, Marine Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in fisheries, plastic reduction initiatives, or waste management projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in field data collection, sampling methodologies, and stakeholder engagement, particularly with fisher cooperatives, port authorities, and municipalities.
• Strong knowledge of Tunisian regulatory frameworks related to waste management and fisheries.
• Excellent communication skills .

Budget and Payment Terms

The consultancy is estimated at 15 working days, at a daily rate of 800 TND, covering all professional fees, travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses.
An additional 1,000 TND is allocated for the graphical layout and illustration of the final report and roadmap. 

The assignment should be completed within one month from the start date. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon with WWF North Africa.

Total estimated budget :

• Professional fees : 15 days × 800 TND = 12,000 TND
• Design and illustration : 1,000 TND
• Grand total : 13,000 TND

Payment Conditions :

• Payments will be made per validated deliverable, according to the agreed timeline.
• No advance payment will be provided at contract signature.
• All travel-related costs (transportation, accommodation, meals) are included in the consultancy fee; WWF North Africa will not cover additional expenses.

• Proposal requirements

Interested consultants are invited to submit the following :

1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) highlighting relevant experience in fisheries, waste management, and plastic reduction initiatives.

1. Technical Note (maximum 3 pages) detailing : 

• Proposed methodology for data collection and analysis.
• Approach for stakeholder engagement (fisher cooperatives, port authorities, municipalities).
• Sampling plan for assessing plastic flows and gear components.
• Preliminary table of contents outlining the main sections of the study

1. Financial Offer specifying the daily rate.
   All travel, accommodation, and per diem costs must be included in this rate ; 

1. References from at least two similar assignments demonstrating expertise in environmental consulting and fisheries-related projects.

• Where and How to Submit Applications

The application package, including the technical and financial offers, must be sent to the following email address: procurment@wwfna.org and please indicate in the email subject line : « Strategic Study on Reducing Plastic from Fisheries ».

The deadline for receiving applications is 19 February 2026 at 00:00 (midnight).

Applications received after this date will not be considered.