Kelvin Passfield
Kelvin is an Australian by nationality, and is a permanent resident of the Cook Islands. He currently works as the Technical Director of Te Ipukarea Society in Rarotonga.
I am an Australian-born permanent resident of the Cook Islands with over 30 years of experience throughout the Asia Pacific, having worked in: Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tokelau and Tonga as well as a number of other countries and islands throughout Asia. I am the Oceania regional chair & liaison for marine and coastal ecosystems, and served as a member of the IUCN Steering Committee for the Commission on Ecosystem Management for 11 years.
About your qualifications, where you studied and your mentors:
I obtained my Masters in Marine Affairs from the University of South Pacific, and my thesis consisted of two case studies on the valuation of small-scale fisheries in fishing communities in Fiji and Cook Islands atolls. I also have a postgraduate diploma in Marine Studies from USP, and a Bachelors of Applied Science in Fisheries from the Australian Maritime College.
My mentors include Dr. Michael King, Dr. William Aalsberg, Dr. Randolf Thaman, Dr. Maria Hawes, and of course — my wife and daughters!
What are your research interests?
I am passionate about marine affairs, including: fisheries management, post-harvest fishery processing, marine and coastal ecosystems and large marine ecosystems, integrated coastal ecosystems management, fisheries and environmental policy, post disaster fisheries livelihoods recovery, ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, and invasive species control.
I have experience in project design, management and implementation, and in building strategic partnerships with international governmental agencies, regional organisations, international & national NGOs, national government agencies, communities and private sector in these areas.
What new work have you got coming up? What research collaborations interest you?
I am currently involved in a rat eradication project in Takutea as well as foreshore protection using hybrid nature-based and engineering solutions in Titikaveka.
Share a favourite quote and why it’s particularly meaningful to you:
This quote speaks for itself, in my opinion:
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Final thoughts for the Association?
I’m excited to be on the executive committee amongst other critical thinkers who are willing to challenge the status quo, if warranted.