James is an experienced fieldwork scientist with over 20 years of expertise in marine environments. Raised in the Cook Islands within his family’s black pearl mariculture business, he possesses a deep-rooted understanding of coastal ecosystems, specifically rearing black lipped oysters and culturing Black Pearls. While he holds a B.Sc. in Psychology, James has built a career in coastal fisheries and biodiversity, specializing in the identification of Pacific marine fauna—including corals, algae, fish, and invertebrates. His professional background spans both the public and private sectors, featuring roles within Government of the Cook Islands and inter-regional agencies like the Pacific Community (SPC). Expanding his reach beyond the Pacific, James has applied his expertise also in the Persian Gulf. His work there included benthic truthing, providing critical data for an environmental agency. Apart from his work, James enjoys an array of sports very much and has represented his country in a few codes, but in his free time he predominantly enjoys spearfishing or just being underwater or out on it.
If I were a shark: I’ve always grown up with reef sharks, and so I’ve often wondered what would be the biggest shark that might swim in our waters. Tiger. Definitely a tiger shark.
My happy place: Definitely perched at the bottom whilst on a freedive, or playing any sports.
When I was a kid: I wanted to be a pilot, but they told me they had height restrictions in the cockpit.
My favorite books, movies or podcasts: I don’t like reading much, but any action movies is my favourite and celebration church podcast.
