Name:        Naiten Bradley Phllip Jr.

Country:   FSM

Describe your work at FAME?

I am working in the Fisheries and Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis (FEMA) section of FAME.  The work I am doing is looking into the bycatch species from the purse seine and longline to help conduct analyses on the bycatch species for added value and food security. This will contribute to the overall fisheries management of the Pacific region. Working with SPC scientists in the FEMA section has strengthened my understanding of tuna biological samples and analysis of various fisheries data. 

When you return to your country after the PIFP attachment, how do you plan to use what you learnt at FAME?  

In my view, it is not waiting to return to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and create positive impact by sharing what I have learnt, but to do that now.  My being part of the ongoing work during the attachment have already enabled me to share the resources and institutional knowledge with the FSM stakeholders. I have already seen real actions taking place from virtual meetings, trainings and workshops. For example, in June 2020, I worked with the FAME team to train the FSM fisheries observers and port samplers on tuna biological sampling via online virtual training. This was the first of its kind with fresh catch from long-line vessels because they cannot go at sea now.  Finding a collaborative approach with country members is very rewarding and I am fine-tuning this skill during my time with FAME, so when I return, I will be able to expand, contribute to the overall fisheries work of the FSM and the region as a whole.