Today was my last day under my present contract (an extension is on the way) as the Fisheries Advisor to MIMRA here in Majuro, and it was a busy one. We had 5 big purse seiners coming in this morning. This means that since the requested port entry a couple of days, my MIMRA colleagues went trough the whole PSM process we designed and implemented. Including the 5 integrated intelligence reports/boarding checklist. As all vessels are WCPFC and FFA registered port entry was granted.
Beau is in control.
Yet MIMRA boards all arriving vessels, three were completely clean trips and we collected the fishing logsheets and contrasted markings and info, yet the other 2 had issues, so we went on board to investigate and collect evidence. There were plausible explanations and evidence substantiating the explanations vessel masters had for the issues we found in the analysis. All vessels were authorised to port use.
The best thing of all is that I was just a total tourist, I just accompanied my colleague Beau Bigler (one of the best young officers I have worked with) who was totally in control of all aspects of the job. And this is quite impressive in the 2nd busiest fishing port for foreign fishing vessels in the world… we will finish 2019 as a record year with over 450 transhipments
It made me remember when we started this process in August 2017, and everything had to be explained and mentored… from the vessel arrival notifications to the serious intelligence analysis we perform around identity, licensing, operations/maneuvering and reporting for each vessel. Changing the way inspections and evidence collection was dealt and so on, it was like bringing a new language.
In total, I have spent 223 days in Majuro since 2017 and we boarded/inspected 257 vessels together. PSM was diffuse concept back then, today is an operational reality and the country is committed to signing PSMA.
Who’s next?
And PSM was 1 of 17 other elements in my workplan, along the months we got to have an inspection plan, a certification system, SOPs galore, we started the process to become an EU recognised sanitary authority, with help from NZ friends, we got o a corporate strategy and a tuna management plan, we work on in-country traceability, supported the MSC certification of the locally based LL fleet, got off all issues raised by the EU, develop a full set specs from boarding boats to tablets and safety gear for procurement by the WB, we set and signed at MoU with Thailand (1st of its kind in the world), we hosted TCC, move to new building, we took the lead on using scales for transshipment monitoring… among other many things… and yet still plenty more to do… most people have no idea how demanding is to operate a fisheries authority.
And at a personal level, I’m also very happy to have secured a grant from the NZ MFAT North Pacific Development fund for the establishment of the Majuro Ocean Sports Club based at the University of the South Pacific Marshall Islands Campus. The funds were used to purchase the equipment 7 outrigger canoes (waka ama) from NZ as to establish an Oceans sports club, initially focussed on outrigger canoeing, but also Ocean Swimming, Stand Up Paddling and Surfing for Majuro’s population.
Only after compiling my final report today, it becomes clear the extent of the work and activities achieved over this time. Needless to say, it was only achievable thanks to the support, trust and hard work of my MIMRA colleagues.
I’m more than aware that I’m not the usual type of consultant and that I brought some unorthodox thinking, very unusual approaches (and terrible english) to the MIMRA table, yet management was always supportive, while the operational staff was happy to give it a go, even if their agendas are really full.
So I really want to fully acknowledge and thank the backing of my colleagues (and now friends) among all MIMRA ranks for the support, logistics, facilitation, and enthusiastic participation during the last two years. Only with time you can create trust and be seen as someone working with you, and not just a consultant making reports.
As ex migrant fisherman, that had to start life from scratch in various countries, I’m unfortunately very aware that there is only one thing you cannot buy… an opportunity… it has to be given to you.
And for the opportunity to do this job I’m truly thankful to NZMFAT and MIMRA management.
Iokwe Majuro… see you next year
when friends and work colleagues are one