Dr Joeli Veitayaki is an Associate Professor of Marine Studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP). He is also the Director for the International Ocean Institute Pacific Islands at the USP, Co-Chair of the Korea-South Pacific Ocean Forum and a member of the Panel of Experts for the High Level Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy that was established by the World Resource Institute in support of the 16 Heads of Governments/States that make up the High Level Panel. Joeli teaches ocean resources management and sustainable development in the Pacific Island Countries and abroad. He conducts research in all areas of ocean resources management and sustainable development. He is devoted community based resource management in local communities where all resource management ideas should be articulated and put into practice. His local community based initiative, Lomani Gau has been sharing its experience and lessons in Fiji, the Pacific Islands and beyond. Between September 2019 and March 2021, Joeli was the Acting Campus Director at the USP Samoa Campus. COVID 19 made him conduct online classes from USP Samoa Campus until he was repatriated to Fiji in December 2021.