Jackie Thomas

Ms. Thomas joined WWF’s Coral Triangle Program in 2008 as a Pacific Policy Officer based in Fiji, and in 2014, became Program Leader. Ms. Thomas has lived and worked in the Pacific region since 2003, when she relocated from Australia to work for WWF in the Solomon Islands. Before that, she worked in regional development in Western Australia for 13 years.

Patrick Safran

As a focal point for fragile and conflict-affected countries, Mr. Safran supported ADB operations in this context. Previously, he helped develop ADB’s strategic and results-oriented approach to delicate situations, focal point for disaster and emergency assistance, ICT coordinator, and project specialist and focal point for coastal and aquatic resources management. Before joining ADB, Mr. Safran was a regional manager for Asia-Pacific and Latin America at the French agricultural research agency CIRAD.

The Ghost Gear that Haunts the World’s Oceans

The blog discusses the problem of abandoned or lost fishing equipment that harms marine life and contributes to plastic pollution. It highlights the severe impact on sea creatures, particularly in areas like the Pacific garbage patch. It emphasizes the need for better waste management, technological innovations, and stricter enforcement of fisheries regulations. The blog calls for global and local actions, including gear tracking, green ports, and adopting circular economy practices to mitigate the issue.