Thanks to Giff Johnson and RNZ National and Global Watch for the Headline
Glen Joseph after graduating from the University of the South Pacific and interning in the 1990’s with the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority(MIMRA) while completing his Bachelor’s degree. After working with them for 30 years and being at the helm for 21 years. He has being nominated to take over the role of Chief Executive to the partied to the NAURA agreement (PNA). Basically a bigger responsibility and why this man has been chosen reflects his dedication to ensuring fishing in the region , particularly for Tuna is sustainable and of good quality.
It has been a long road, firstly supporting the innovative Day Vessel Scheme which is now the main operating management mechanism for the eight PNA countries, who are responsible for 50% of the Skipjack Tuna caught in the World.
The Day Vessel Scheme increased revenue from license’s and enabled the MIMRA to develop into an organisation that had the ability to negotiate and present proposals to the likes of the US and the EC. In the US despite many years of not being able to supply the US market , working with a NGO start-up Pacific Island Tuna, MIMRA were able to gain an agreement to supply Walmart.
The EC could shortly approve the Marshall Islands as a supplier of marine products as MIMRA has set up a special laboratory for testing fish quality to meet the stringent EC requirements.
Not only that but MIMRA has worked with National Geographic’s Pristine Sea Program and the Ocean Exploration Trust to achieve deep ocean surveys and survey coral reef habitats in the area.
Good practice is good and can achieve impressive results, there is no reason that we cannot maintain our seas, rivers and environment and have access to good quality ,sustainable fish without destroying the planet. Mr Glen Joseph from the Marshall Islands is a good example to us all.
Namaste and Thank You for Reading.🙏
