Professional Skills Summary

As a Marine Biologist currently serving within the National Ocean Office – the central government coordinating body for marine governance under PNG's Department of Justice and Attorney General – I bring a unique blend of scientific fieldwork, regulatory compliance, and policy implementation expertise. My skills are anchored in sustainable marine resource management and are directly aligned with implementing the National Oceans Policy (2020–2030) and supporting PNG's obligations under international frameworks such as UNCLOS and the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement).

Core Technical & Scientific Skills

• Fisheries Science & Stock Assessment – Proficient in evaluating fish populations, marine biodiversity, and ecosystem health using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

• Marine Resource Management – Skilled in designing and applying sustainable management strategies for coastal and offshore resources, including community-based conservation approaches.

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – Experienced in assessing potential environmental risks of development projects on marine habitats and proposing mitigation measures.

• Field Research & Data Collection – Adept at conducting structured surveys, biological sampling, and ecological monitoring in remote and challenging environments; utilised tools such as the iField mobile application for accurate digital data capture.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation – Competent in statistical analysis and interpretation of environmental datasets to inform evidence-based decision-making and policy recommendations.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC) – Experienced in ensuring data integrity, equipment calibration, and adherence to strict research protocols across all field and laboratory operations.

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Audits – Skilled in conducting compliance audits, analysing production data, and preparing detailed quality reports to meet national and international standards.

• Regulatory Compliance & Reporting – Knowledgeable in national environmental laws, maritime regulations, and international treaties; capable of drafting technical documents and compliance reports for government and stakeholder review.

• Workplace Health & Safety – Committed to enforcing safety standards in both field and office environments to mitigate operational risks.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Consultation

• Community-Based Engagement – Proven ability to work with coastal communities, including conducting structured interviews, facilitating informed consent, and clearly communicating research objectives to diverse audiences.

• Stakeholder Collaboration – Experienced in liaising with government agencies, NGOs (e.g., ENB Sea Keepers), research institutions, and international partners (e.g., IPSOS, Switzerland) to advance marine conservation and sustainable development goals.

Policy & Governance Support

• Policy Implementation – Contributing to the operationalisation of the National Oceans Policy (2020–2030) through research, data provision, and coordination with multi-sectoral stakeholders.

• International Law & Treaty Support – Assisting in PNG's engagement with UNCLOS and the BBNJ Agreement, including supporting submissions related to marine biodiversity conservation in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

• Report Writing & Technical Documentation – Proficient in preparing policy briefs, scientific reports, and technical documents to support decision-making at the national and international levels.

Professional Attributes

• Strong Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities – Capacity to synthesise complex environmental data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

• Effective Communication & Interpersonal Skills – Ability to convey scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences, including policymakers, community members, and international partners.

• Adaptability & Resilience – Proven capability to work productively in challenging field conditions, remote locations, and cross-cultural settings.

• Ethical & Detail-Oriented – Committed to maintaining the highest standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics in all endeavours.

• Team Collaboration & Leadership – Experienced in working within multidisciplinary teams and demonstrating leadership in research and compliance initiatives.

This skill set positions me to effectively contribute to the National Ocean Office's mandate of coordinating PNG's ocean governance, ensuring sustainable use of marine resources, and upholding the country's international commitments to ocean conservation.