A special meeting of the SFB Board was called in December to consider the proposal by Dr. George Woodman to disestablish Stop Fish Bombing International, to dissolve the Board of Directors and shift SFB responsibilities to Executive Director Terence Lim, SFB Malaysia. The members of the Board agreed with this proposal. Terence continues his operational duties working directly with SFB USA to Stop Fish Bombing worldwide.

SFB Board Meeting Minutes On 15th December 2020, 6 AM Sabah Time

Present (by Zoom)

• George Woodman, GW (Chair)

• Simon Wilson, SW (Secretary)

• Terence Lim, TL

• Simon Christopher, SC

• Dieter Rudolph, DR (Time Keeper, Observer)

• Bob Showen, RS

• Clark Dunson, CD

• Tony Chiffings, TC

Meeting Agenda

1. Review/approval of MOM of meeting of the last board meeting

2. Summary of key activity since the last meeting

   1. SFB USA project in Sabah

3. Proposal for new governance structure of SFB activities. 

4. The proposal is to dissolve the board of SFB International, and let SFB Malaysia take the lead.  Some discussion is necessary to clarify the details of this proposal

5. Discussion about current and potential future activities

   1. SFB USA project in Sabah

   2. SFB USA seal deterrent study

   3. Engagement with Karang

Minutes of Meeting

1. Introduction and Welcome: The meeting started with general conversation allowing everyone to join the call. Once everyone was present, a brief word of welcome was given.

2. Minutes of Last meeting 2 Oct 2019

No objection on minutes from Nov 18 meeting, which were accepted.

Motion Forwarded by GW, Seconded by SW. Passed unanimously.

3. Proposal for new governance structure of SFB activities.

GW outlined the proposal that SFB International activities are handed over to SFB Malaysia. SFB Malaysia is a registered corporation with TL as chairman. TL has no objection to take up the responsibility of taking on the lead but requires discussion of responsibilities of individuals of how they can contribute. TC asked about Teng Hoi’s role and GW provided some background about the history of SFB Governance. Three organisations were intended to be represented: Teng Hoi, Scubazoo and SST, but SST could not join an MOU following its public offering. Activities have focused on Malaysia, so it makes sense to simplify and build on the organisational structure which will enable us to communicate with the outside world. GW outlined the practicalities of the transfer of assets and liabilities (e.g. website etc.), and mentioned the potential political risks associate with Hong Kong. RS expressed his thanks to Teng Hoi and to Gary Lauder for making the initial introduction and providing substantial funding, and asked GW for more rational for dissolving the board. GW responded that SFB operated as a virtual board because SFB was never incorporated, and the proposal represents a natural and practical progression. The year (2020) has been very challenging: for example Cathay Pacific is struggling to survive and Hong Kong has undergone a number of profound changes in the last 18 months. 

TC: expressed his opinion that this step would simplify communication with funding agencies and other stakeholders at a time when funding is difficult and increasing scrutiny of ESG is apparent. GW agreed, and made the point that SFB International was originally conceived to guide national missions. This function can be undertaken perfectly well by SFB Malaysia.

Dieter: Will SFB Malaysia become a non-profit entity?

GW responded that the intention of SFB Malaysia would be easiest to start as a for-profit entity but could still migrate to a non-profit entity.

TL confirmed that SFB M is a private limited company because non-profits require seven trustees with strong governance. SFB Malaysia is intended as a non-profit, non-loss entity. Baycom has approached SFB Malaysia (Dec 2019, and met Sudesh in Feb 2020), but were not interested because of the relatively low level of technology readiness level. 

SW outlined two questions: 1. How will decisions be made? And 2, how will the transfer of assets and liabilities be managed?

GW responded saying that the sub-committees remains sound and should be dusted down

One of the principal assets is the SFB video of the field trial in 2015, which was jointly funded by Teng Hoi (US$15k) and Scubazoo (US$15k) contribution in the 2015 film. This does not present an issue to Teng Hoi as the mission of SFB MY is aligned, and of course Teng Hoi will remain involved in SFB Malaysia. However, Scubazoo’s position is not known. TL described his understanding that the Malaysian authorities will view this transfer as more of a transfer of responsibility rather than a transfer of tangible assets.

TL requested everyone’s support to run SFB and agreed that creating a board within SFB Malaysia would be onerous and put this to the board regarding how best to structure SFB Malaysia structure. In terms of advice, SFB Malaysia might form an advisory board or committee that provides the forum for decision making.

GW added that the current arrangement is essentially a project within Teng Hoi, so the new arrangement would be very similar. 

Clark outlined SFB’s progress and accomplishments over the past 18 months, everyone’s support in HK and in Sabah. CD agreed that the simplification would be beneficial in terms of communication to third parties. 

SC is in agreement with no objection and expressed his thanks to everyone mentioning Gary’s support in particular. UNESCO decade of the Ocean lies ahead and considers simplicity to be essential moving forward. 

DR commented on TL’s capable and pleasant working style; the cooperation between SFB USA and SFB Malaysia has been effective, and looked forward to future collaboration.

RS also mentioned Liz Wood’s group and Scubazoo as being concerned stakeholders in SFB Malaysia’s.

GW clarified that the original concept of working groups was a good one, and TL said he would confirm with his corporate advisors on a form of words for the advisory committees.  

• Action: We agree to dissolve the board of SFB International and SFB Malaysia takes the lead moving forward. Details on governance structure, advisory board, and members 

• Motion Forwarded by CD, Seconded by TC. Passed unanimously.

4. Introduced the agenda item. RS requested that Karang be prioritised, SW suggested that SFB USA project in Sabah was of equal priority and recommended we proceed with SFB USA.

1. SFB USA project in Sabah. DR provided an overview of the project, and was particularly encouraged by continuous progress during COVID. CD outlined technical issues with shrimp noise and radio noise, both of which have been progresses. Justine was able to develop Linux skills, cable protection and encapsulation of hydrophones. Solar system has been implemented which had challenges which were overcome with Jamie’s help to find a grounding solution. Documentation of installation procedures has been developed. Solid performing array in KK, detection of 12 bombs, and has use as a test bed (e.g. window for analysis of bomb signal). Siemen has used feature- based classification to filter shrimp clicks, and screening out bombs in land areas. Detection algorithm has been changes to sharpness, and mosaic classification has been applied to improve. DR added a note on financials (US$40k left in allocation to SST, SFB Malaysia has US$35k available from its allocation, SIP has been paid up in full (US$22.5k x 2 to deliver its statement of work). Expansion of Sabah project being discussed with Gary Lauder who has promised his continued support. TC was encouraged, and suggested a strategic planning discussion which would be appropriate as SFB Malaysia takes the programme forward. Sabah Parks was highlighted by TL as priority, especially in Kudat (20 blasts per day). TC asked whether there would be an end of project report and DR confirmed that would be appropriate, including lessons learnt. GW supported the need for a report. The , completion of the Semporna array will complete the current project. Due to CV19 delays this deployment is now planned for the first part of January 2021, The report will mark the transition of governance to SFB Malaysia and close-out the current project.

2. Engagement with Karang. SW described Karang as a process for paying for data from distributed sources so would be a motivation for data and observations by fishermen. Kat developed the idea in Singapore and Indonesia and has a voluntary working group on blast fishing which is open source. Kat is smart and committed, started through Conservation X. GW confirmed that Karang is aligned with SFB mission in the broadest sense, but she is facing serious headwinds. SFB should be open to horizon-scanning as there is rapid development in ocean science, but so far there has been discussion but limited tangible project work or funding. GW promoted the principles of flexibility and resilience to survive the current funding environment.

3. SFB USA seal deterrent study. DR outlined collaboration on seal bombs with Monterrey Bay Research Institutes that includes NOAA, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, local Universities and Oceana.

   1. Google is developing AI for seal bomb detection and access to deep hydro-acoustic files is available for analysis. The Monterey Bay collaboration , which has led to new potential opportunities and lots of interesting interactions. Another collaborative effort underway is with CSIRO and Fiomarine. This involves acoustic release mechanisms for deployment of covert hydrophones and prevention of crab trap lines fouling by entangled marine mammals.

4. Any Other Business 

   No other business was tabled.

5.  Meeting Close

   GW thanked attendees and brought the meeting to a close.