The Pacific Community (SPC) is proud to support ECOP from Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) by providing exciting opportunities to contribute to critical ocean science/fisheries and to represent the region on global platforms.
Two Expressions of Interest are now open for Pacific ECOPs to get involved in hands-on scientific research and international ocean advocacy.
1. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: One Ocean Science Congress and UN Ocean Conference (June 2025)
SPC invites ECOP from Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) to take part in the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) and the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC2025).
Objectives for Pacific ECOP participants:
- Deepen understanding of global achievements and challenges on key themes discussed in the 10 Ocean Panels, and those specific to regions worldwide.
- Share personal experiences while learning from diverse perspectives.
- Represent the Pacific ECOP network and advocate on behalf of youth from the Blue Pacific.
- Build professional networks and engage with experts and decision-makers on ocean-related issues.
Form: To express your interest, please fill out the form here (United Nations Ocean Conference 2025).
Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
2. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: Kaiyo-maru Scientific Cruise on Tuna Ecology (September or October 2025)
The Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency is planning a scientific cruise aboard the research vessel Kaiyo-maru in the western Pacific. This cruise aims to describe spatial and vertical distribution of larvae and juvenile skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye tuna and its relation to oceanographic features and biological environment, and to understand tuna early survival and recruitment process in the Pacific Ocean.
SPC is a scientific partner of the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency and participates in this research programme, which improves knowledge of the ecology of these target species to provide scientific evidence to support regional fisheries management processes.
For the second year running, SPC is offering to two Pacific Early Carrier Young Professionals (ECOP) the opportunity to participate in this scientific cruise (one participant for each leg).
Dates:
- 25th August 2025 to 28th September 2025 (Leg 1),
- 1st October 2025 to 20th October 2025 (Leg 2)
Location: Japanese Research vessel “Kaiyo-maru” (Tokyo-Honiara-Leg 1 & Honiara Saipan-Leg2)
Participant Objectives:
- Unique opportunity to contribute to significant scientific research and gain invaluable experience in ocean science.
- Participate in an ongoing ocean monitoring program by collecting and processing samples, managing data, and analyzing results.
- Gain exposure to basic ocean engineering, instrumentation, and other technologies involved in ocean science.
- Engage in operations and research at sea, including acoustic measurements, water sampling and analysis, eDNA sampling, plankton sampling, and mid-water trawling.
- Connect with senior scientists on ocean science issues and benefit from an environment that supports the career progression
Cruise details:
- Leg 1: Tokyo-Honiara from 26 Aug to 28 Sept 2025
- Leg 2: Honiara-Saipan from 2 to 20 Oct 2025
Dates are subject to slight changes. Moreover, participants are required to arrive 2-3 days before embarkation and depart 2-3 days after disembarkation.
Mission specifics:
The work will be conducted in oceanic waters far from land for the duration of each leg. Operations and research at sea, including acoustic measurements, sampling and analysis (water, e-DNA, plankton, fish juvenile), with electronic equipment and net gears; under the supervision of senior researchers.
- Limited or no internet connection on board.
- Night shifts from 17:00 to 03:00 (rest during the day).
- Single cabins when possible or double cabins, non-mixed.
Support provided by SPC:
Participation of one ECOP for each leg; ECOP will be integrated in the SPC team.
- Airfare to and from the ports of departure and arrival.
- Full travel support, including economy class tickets as well as hotel accommodation, meals, and per diems for days on land (before or after the cruise) in accordance with the SPC Travel Policy, as well as meals onboard.
- If required, insurance for participation in the cruise.
- If required, visa fees.
Selection criteria:
We invite interested ECOP to fill in the survey form below. Tertiary qualification obtained or in finalisation in disciplines relevant to ocean science and management:
- Professional experience of less than 10 years and/or under the age of 35 years of age;
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with a wide range of individuals;
- Good English language writing and oral communication skills;
- For candidates currently employed, the employer's agreement will be required;
Despite preconceptions about working at sea, all gender are welcome to apply.
Shortlisted candidate will be invited to an online interview with the SPC scientific team lead before the final decision.
Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
