The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) is pleased to announce that Mr James Brown has officially taken up his role as Executive Secretary of the Organisation.

Mr Brown brings with him over two decades of extensive experience in international fisheries policy, environmental governance, and multilateral negotiations. He joins SPRFMO from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, where he most recently served as Manager of the International Fisheries team, leading New Zealand’s engagement in key international and regional fisheries fora including the UN, FAO, WTO, OECD, CCAMLR, WCPFC, and SPRFMO itself. With a strong foundation in both technical and diplomatic spheres, James has played a leading role in fisheries-related trade negotiations, international law development, and fisheries sustainability. His background includes a posting to the New Zealand Mission to the WTO and UN in Geneva, where he served as First Secretary and Deputy Permanent Representative.

Mr Brown’s professional path reflects a clear commitment to collaborative, sustainable fisheries management —from his early work in development policy in Uganda, to research roles on EU fisheries policy in London and Brussels, and his leadership within FAO’s Committee on Fisheries (COFI).

The SPRFMO Secretariat welcomes Mr Brown and looks forward to working with him to advance the Organisation’s mission to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources in the South Pacific Ocean.