My last Thursday and Friday were quite busy, imn fact I been really bussy for the last 5 weeks actually! And this has has been a very pleasant surprise. To be honest, when this all COVID debacle started I was a bit worried how would I maintain my income, yet many opportunities arise, and goodwill was shown again to me by many people and organizations, to whom I’m truly thankful
my last slide in my webinar.
For a while now the good people of SeafoodSource was keen to have me doing one of their webinars on the fishery here in the western central pacific. I responded that my views are normally from the sea level… views from the wharf. That for the higer picture they should go to the really important people. Yet they like that angle and so “View from the wharf” was born.
But I was hesitant… I wanted to make sure, that I don't play the role as the foreigner (semi-white man) that talks about the pacific, on behalf the "locals", as having it seen back where I was born (by colleagues on my dad, unfortunately), I always been pissed off by that attitude! Even if invited by my colleagues during meetings, I try to stand behind them and support if necessary… but never talking on their behalf.
So it was a delicate situation for me personally… So I consulted with 3 different Pacific colleagues I uphold with maximum respect because of their mana… to see if was ok before saying yes.
Thankfully all of them were fully encouraging, which gave good reassurances… particularly when one them told me: “I never seen you talking for me… if anything you talk with me”… at the time something must have fallen on my eyes because they got quite teary…
Anyway, it went really well… even if it started at 6 am for me! over 500 people subscribed… and many made many questions that I, unfortunately, could not answer because of time… so if you are reading this and I did not answer… I’m sorry and please email it to me.
The presentation recording and slides can be access from the following links
Handout Link: https://divcomplatform.s3.amazonaws.com/www.seafoodsource.com/images/d76dda9ad9573ace0a75675801451a32.pdf
Recording Link: https://divcom-events.webex.com/divcom-events/lsr.php?RCID=5800325bba835e1a486411f982b6aba4
Then from the presentation straight to the online FFA MCS working group, that is one of the many meetings we do in the region that moved online. Here is wehre the planning, discussion frameworks, new issues are discussed amnong the MCS practicioners and then send to the bosses. so is always draining
Then on Friday, I went to check on the other project I’m working on the Marshall Islands and it has nothing to do with fisheries!
Here is the story… around 18 months ago, while waiting to debrief the NZ Ambassador to the Marshall Islands (that is based in Honolulu) on my work… I found a leaflet in regards the “North Pacific Development Fund – NPDF” that NZ MFAT has, and is primarily aimed at supporting small-scale development projects or activities of non-government organisations and community groups engaged in development activities on a non-profit basis.
Now… Majuro lagoon is majestic on whatever definition you want to use… I and as waterman that does ocean swimming, surfing, spearfishing, outrigger and stand paddling, traditional sailing and whatever other floating distraction you put in front of me I’m a bit dismayed on how little water activities we have in Majuro… Every day when I cycle back from work to the house of the family I’m staying wit, I said to my self: man if there was an outrigger canoe club here…. it would be perfect after work thing to do.
So my only two neurons connected for once, and I thought about starting an outrigger and ocean sports paddling club aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, youth activities and safety at sea. So, talked to my local and some NZ friends based in RMI and everyone was in, so we formed the “Majuro Ocean Sports Club”, then made a proposal and applied for the fund… and we got it!
In the best pacific way, it took time, but the funds allowed us to buy four new 6 man canoes (waka ama as we say in NZ), 2 new single ones and one 2nd hand 3 man racing one. So on Friday I dashed up to Moana Nui were they were made (north of NZ - Tutukaka coast) to see them finished them prior delivery to the freight forwarders, to then be containerised and make their way to Majuro
Needless to say…. I’m VERY happy! I paddle a lot here in NZ and paddling is one of those sports that you do alone but in community, you don't have to pass a ball or anything like that… Is open to all ages and genders, is outside in the ocean, it fosters bonds in between people and you can be a social paddler or the most hardcore competitor and still come back to the beach with a smile and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
I guess it ties up with what I was saying before when talking about the webinar… I don't go to visit Majuro, I live there for 1/3 of the year, I have friends I work with, I go surfing with, and now we will paddle as well. I don't do stuff for people… I do stuff with people.
And honestly I can’t wait to be out there! And another aspect to thank NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade… not only they keep me busy with my work as Offshore Fisheries Advisor, but now also given me as part of the community the option of a healthy lifestyle and a further connection to the ocean!