Having worked together on several protected species projects in the last seven years, Johanna Pierre is joining Dragonfly Science this month. She will also maintain her private consultancy, JPEC.
“I have enjoyed the projects I’ve worked on with Edward and Finlay, and am looking forward to joining forces with them”, she says.
Johanna has experience in the protected species area internationally. “Many, if not most of the species we’re working on spend significant amounts of their time out of New Zealand waters, so a wider perspective on the issues is essential. Often, solutions to bycatch issues are applicable worldwide too, and the flow of information and expertise goes both ways.
“International work was a significant component of my time at DOC (Department of Conservation), where I worked on regional fisheries management organisations such as CCSBT and SPRFMO, which highlighted the role our country plays on the global fisheries stage. I also worked on CCAMLR and ACAP where I was New Zealand’s national contact for a number of years.
“The marine science/fisheries community is very small, so to ensure you’re talking to the best people and to stay relevant, you have to maintain strong links offshore.
“During my time at the Ministry of Science and Innovation, I led the development of the science and technology relationship New Zealand has with Asia. That region is growing and changing extremely rapidly, particularly China, and that presents huge opportunities for our scientists. Capturing opportunities for scientists working here but keen to collaborate offshore was very satisfying. Because we are a small country, we have a huge amount to gain by having strong networks with other countries.”
“To me, science-based truth can become obscured in controversial environments, so I tend to favour ‘ripping the band-aid off’ and getting into things.”