Apia, 23 January 2012 - Having graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Ecology and Biology, Penina’s interest in migratory species became focused when tasked with building a marine species programme for WWF South Pacific office operating out of the Fiji Islands. Over the span of nine years, Penina has engaged school children, local communities, government, non-government and intergovernmental agencies, corporate bodies and the media to strengthen the protection of marine turtles and whales in Fiji and other parts of the Pacific.

The signatories to the Pacific Cetaceans MoU strongly requested CMS at their second meeting to provide a Coordinator for this MoU. Voluntary contributions have meanwhile been secured to establish such a temporary position for the duration of one year. The total costs are co-funded by SPREP, Dugong MoU and CMS. This position will further strengthen migratory species conservation through the implementation of CMS and relevant instruments in the Pacific Islands region, including the MoUs for the conservation of Pacific Islands Cetaceans, Dugongs, Sharks and their related Action Plans. Penina will also be contributing to the implementation of the SPREP and CMS Joint Work Plan; and any other work programme activities relating to issues of common interest in the countries of the Pacific Islands region. So far only funds have been secured for the first year and one of Penina’s tasks will be to raise additional funds for the following year. Any support in this respect would be highly welcome.

Finally - and interestingly - Penina had signed the Pacific Cetaceans MoU on behalf of WWF South Pacific and is now on board to support its implementation.