The SPRFMO Secretariat
The Secretariat is the office that fulfils the SPRFMO's administrative duties. Its functions are defined in Article 14 of the SPRFMO Convention. The Secretariat is the contact for enquiries and distribution of information, and can be reached at [email protected].
Documents relevant to the Secretariat:
- Staff Regulations (revised 2024)
- Secretariat Security Standards (adopted 2018)
- Secondments and Internships (adopted 2020)
Other relevant documents:
- Headquarters Agreement between SPRFMO and the Government of New Zealand
- Implementing National Legislation - Order in Council
The Secretariat staff members, their roles, and their contact details are as follows:
James has 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.
Initially hired as administration officer in early 2013, Susana moved to her current role in 2016. She is responsible for ensuring effective communication amongst SPRFMO stakeholders and liaising with SPRFMO audiences. She manages the Secretariat's publications and document production, supervises the logistical and administrative aspects of SPRFMO meetings, and supports the Commission and subsidiary bodies as required. Susana worked as a translator and interpreter for the Chilean Government fresh out of university with a postgraduate degree in English-Spanish Translation and a bachelor's degree in English. Susana is a language geek who loves music.
Randy is responsible for compliance-related issues and programmes within SPRFMO. He and his wife Michelle arrived in New Zealand from Canada in November 2020. He has almost 30 years of experience with the DFO in Canada, where he engaged in various fisheries compliance, enforcement, and management roles; internationally he led the Canadian delegation at the NAFO STACTIC meetings. He was also involved with the IMCS Network, Interpol’s Fisheries Crime Working Group, and other relevant forums. Randy enjoys traveling, exploring new places, meeting people, and documenting his adventures in pictures!
Bernard has over two decades of experience in systems design and data tools development and has worked in various international organisations. He has had significant achievements in developing information systems for fisheries management and government financial systems. His diverse and multicultural experience and his technical proficiency are highly relevant to his role at SPRFMO, where he aims to enhance data management and application development for sustainable fisheries management.
Yanbin joined SPRFMO in 2016. She is responsible for managing the finances of the Organisation, managing the Secretariat office and premises, liaising with external auditors during annual financial audits, and supporting the SPRFMO meetings.
Yanbin is a certified accountant; she holds a full membership of CPA, a graduate diploma in professional accounting, a bachelor degree in finance and commercial law, obtained at Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand). Yanbin enjoys cooking for her loved ones, travelling to experience different cultures and cuisine.