Jason is from Vanuatu. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Science, a postgraduate level certificate in Fisheries Policy and Planning and a Master Degree in Fisheries Policy.

Jason started his career with the Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD). From 2003 to 2015, he occupied different positions including Coral Reef Research Officer, Fisheries Statistician and Manager of the VFD Management & Policy Division. As the main policy advisor to the Director of Fisheries, Jason’s role included developing, reviewing and updating fisheries policies and management plans and providing policy advice covering the whole sector of Vanuatu fisheries, including coastal fisheries, oceanic fisheries and aquaculture.

From 2009–2011, Jason was part of one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Vanuatu, as an Environmental and Social Officer. The focus of his role included overseeing environmental impact assessments and resettlement issues.

Prior to joining SPC in October 2016, Jason was appointed as Director of the Vanuatu Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation. Jason is now the SPC Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Management and Policy Specialist under the MFAT funded Governance Project. His role covers providing assistance to member countries to review, develop and update their coastal fisheries and aquaculture policies and management plans and provide capacity development training and mentoring to national and sub-national levels in fisheries policies and management plans.