Our Team
Arthur Sokimi
Pacific Regional Director
Arthur collaborates with partners and colleagues across the Pacific region. In his role, he supports Blue Prosperity partnerships to assist countries in developing blue economies, enhancing sustainable fisheries management, and achieving ocean protection goals. Arthur will also maintain his leadership role in Blue Prosperity Fiji, working closely with the country team and partners to promote sustainable ocean management.
Arthur brings a rich background in marine resource management to the Blue Prosperity programs. He is a graduate of USP’s Pacific Marine Studies Program and holds a Master of International Relations from the University of Sydney. He worked with local and international NGOs, the United Nations Development Program and Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Arthur served as Blue Prosperity Fiji Country Manager since 2022.
Saras Sharma-Gounder
Country Manager
As the Country Manager, Mrs. Saras Sharma-Gounder will collaborate closely with government partners and stakeholders to lead Blue Prosperity Fiji's initiatives. Bringing over 16 years of experience from her tenure at Fiji's Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Saras is exceptionally qualified for her new role. Her expertise spans work on a diversity of issues from science, including community-based management, policy, and compliance.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree (Geography and Marine Affairs) from the University of the South Pacific in 2006, and a Postgraduate Diploma (Marine Management) in 2016
Dr. Joeli Veitayaki
Strategic Advisor
Dr. Veitayaki will serve as an Advisor for science, community engagement, and cultural aspects, and as Co-Primary Investigator for the Blue Prosperity Fiji Research Expedition. Dr. Veitayaki was an Associate Professor of Marine Studies at the University of the South Pacific’s School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Science Marine Studies. He was recently the Acting Campus Director at the USP Samoa Campus in Apia. He is also Director for the International Ocean Institute Pacific Islands based at the USP, is Co-Chair of the Korea-South Pacific Ocean Forum (KSPOFF) and a member of the Panel of Experts for a Sustainable Ocean Economy assembled by the World Resource Institute in support of the High Level Panel on the Sustainable Ocean Economy.
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He has formulated all of the community based initiatives of the Lomani Gau network, which has coordinated the partnerships between development partners and the 16 villages of Gau Island on the sustainable use and management of their environment resources.
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Joeli celebrates his upbringing in rural Gau Island, Fiji and how his education and work has taken him to places he only used to see in books and film. This grounding has allowed him to navigate through the traditional and modern ways of living. He is grateful to be serving his family, village, island, Fiji, the Pacific Islands and the world.
Andrew Paris
Senior Environment Coordinator
Prior to joining the program, Andrew was a research assistant and marine studies master's student at the University of the South Pacific. Andrew is a Fijian who has been immersed in ocean-centric research in the South Pacific after completing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science.
Andrew has designed and managed research in marine ecology, marine pollution, and eco-toxicology and possesses a strong record of outreach and advocacy for ocean stewardship. Andrew is the co-founder of the Pacific Ocean Litter Youth Project which is a youth collective that seeks to alter societal paradigms around plastic pollution through science and art.
John Kaitu'u
Marine Spatial Planning Technical Manager
John Kaitu’u has joined the Waitt Institute as a Marine Spatial Planning Technical Manager. In this role, he will assist partners in mapping and managing Marine Spatial Planning data and activities across their ocean space, helping them navigate national priorities through an informed decision-making process.
Shivam Jalam
Sustainable Fisheries Coordinator
Shivam Jalam is a marine science professional with over a decade of experience in Fiji’s fisheries sector, spanning both government and private organizations. He currently serves as the Sustainable Fisheries Coordinator at Blue Prosperity Fiji, where he supports national efforts to promote sustainable ocean use and marine biodiversity conservation.
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In his role, Shivam leads the coordination of sustainable fisheries initiatives across Fiji. He works closely with communities, stakeholders, and government partners to enhance the management of inshore and offshore fisheries, strengthen data collection systems, and develop strategies that balance ecological health with economic opportunity. He is also focused on identifying and supporting value-addition opportunities that increase the benefits of ocean resources for local communities.
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Shivam is passionate about creating lasting impact through collaborative, science-based solutions that secure the long-term health and productivity of Fiji’s ocean ecosystems.
Laitia Tamata
Nearshore Engagement Coordinator
With deep roots in Fiji’s coastal communities and a wealth of experience in marine conservation, Laitia Tamata joins Blue Prosperity Fiji (BPF) as the primary point of contact for our nearshore work, leading collaboration with government partners, communities, and stakeholders to better coordinate and advance sustainable nearshore fisheries management.
Over the past 15+ years, Laitia has shaped community-based fisheries management across Fji and the Pacific, serving in key roles such as National Coordinator of the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas (FLMMA) Network and Marine Species/Fisheries Projects Coordinator at WWF-Pacific. From policy advocacy to grassroots mobilization, he’s been instrumental in supporting communities to steward their marine resources.
Laitia’s legacy includes supporting reviews of inshore fisheries laws, coordinating village-based conservation initiatives, and mentoring youth and climate action groups. His leadership has empowered communities to restore degraded ecosystems and build climate resilience leaving an enduring impact on both land and sea.
What sets Laitia apart is his heart for people and the ocean. Driven by a bold vision and grounded in vanua values, he brings unmatched energy, wisdom, and purpose to this role. We're thrilled to welcome him aboard as we work together to sustainably steer Fiji’s nearshore waters today, and for generations to come.
Ian Chute
Communications Coordinator
As the Communications Coordinator, Mr. Ian Chute is committed to enhancing public awareness and engagement with Blue Prosperity Fiji's initiatives. With prior roles as a Production Assistant at the Government of Fiji’s Department of Information and as a reporter for the Fiji Times, he brings a wealth of experience and invaluable insight to his position. He is a student of Journalism and Law at the University of the South Pacific.
He is an alumnus of the Edward R. Murrow International Visitor Leadership Program for Journalists, having participated in the program in March 2023.