Name:                              James Kora
Country:                          Cook Islands

I am the Pacific Island Fisheries Professional based in the Coastal Fisheries Science division of the Pacific Community's (SPC) Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) team. I assist the coastal fisheries scientists including fisheries managers by providing advice to member countries focusing mainly on invertebrates. Recently, this included the co-authoring of a technical report on the assessment of coconut crabs, and production of an awareness brochure on giant clams.

Due to the COVID 19 impacts, I have been limited in travelling and conducting surveys and assessment trainings in member countries. However, this has enabled me to learn other important skills thoroughly such as data analysis and report writing. I plan to utilise this knowledge specifically, GIS mapping, statistical analysis software using R, editing and layout; all of which can be applied in coastal fisheries on my return to the Cook Islands.