FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 March 2026
The International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new team members, strengthening its commitment to unlocking value in one-by-one tuna fisheries.
The new appointments support IPNLF’s vital work to strengthen local coastal communities, conserve ocean biodiversity, shore up food security, build climate resilience, and safeguard livelihoods.
Debriga Putra – Seafood Quality Lead
Debriga joins IPNLF with extensive experience across the fisheries supply chain, from fishing vessel operations to processing and supply chain management. He has led high-standard processing facilities implementing internationally recognised food safety certifications and standards, including GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures), and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) — essential and interrelated food safety programmes.
Throughout his career, Debriga has strengthened supply chain performance while developing practical training programmes for fishers and staff. In his new role, he will support quality assurance systems that uphold best practices across IPNLF’s seafood initiatives.
Ridha Maasir – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead
Ridha brings more tchan 20 years of experience supporting NGOs and donor-funded programmes across Indonesia. He has led strategic monitoring, evaluation, and learning initiatives across more than 30 programmes spanning conservation, livelihoods, education, and social impact. Ridha has designed and implemented MEL frameworks that improve programme delivery and measurable impact.
He holds a Master’s degree, alongside professional training in monitoring, evaluation, and data analytics. At IPNLF, he will strengthen evidence-based learning and programme effectiveness, bringing strong data visualisation expertise.
Helmi Hermain – Renewable Energy Lead
Helmi is a renewable energy professional with over nine years of experience in solar PV and battery-based systems, particularly for off-grid and remote applications across Indonesia. He has worked as a project engineer and is passionate about ensuring clean energy solutions directly support livelihoods, especially within small-scale fisheries.
Helmi holds qualifications in Renewable Energy from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from Sriwijaya University in Indonesia. He brings hands-on experience across a wide range of solar PV applications. His appointment strengthens IPNLF’s engineering expertise and technical capacity, supporting key forthcoming projects.
Bridget Rowlands – Research Advisor
Bridget holds a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Ocean and Coastal Sciences and Marine Biology, and has always been passionate about the ocean. Over the years, she has worked in marine ecotourism and with non-profit organisations as a marine biologist, educator, and researcher.
Her experience spans fieldwork, community engagement, and conservation initiatives, through which she has developed a strong understanding of marine ecosystems and sustainable practices. Bridget brings a diverse range of skills from across the marine sector and is eager to apply her knowledge and passion to support sustainable fisheries and coastal communities.
Lara Caine – Executive Assistant
Lara brings a strong blend of operational, organisational, and marine-sector experience to IPNLF. She began her career in marine tourism and conservation before moving into business management through hands-on experience in ocean-based operations. Her pathway into the sector was shaped by volunteering with South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute, reflecting a lifelong connection to the ocean.
In her role at IPNLF, Lara will support the organisation’s leadership and operational effectiveness, contributing to its mission of supporting one-by-one fisheries and coastal communities.
Commenting, Martin Purves, Managing Director of IPNLF, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Ridha, Helmi, Bridget, Debriga and Lara to IPNLF. Their expertise strengthens our ability to support one-by-one fisheries, helping to unlock more value across the supply chain and making vital progress in decarbonisation and quality improvement. Their range of technical expertise will bolster IPNLF’s continued work to strengthen one-by-one fisheries, support coastal communities, and promote low impact fishing practices.”
About the International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF)
The International Pole & Line Foundation is a global non-profit organisation working to support sustainable one-by-one tuna fisheries, protect marine ecosystems, and improve the livelihoods and rights of socially and environmentally responsible one-by-one fishers in 33 countries. The traditional fishing techniques used by these fishers are highly selective, minimising bycatch and environmental impact, while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
IPNLF collaborates with fishers, businesses, and policymakers to implement sustainable practices, enhance supply chain, transparency, and advocate for equitable policies that benefit both people and the planet. IPNLF has 58 members, including the retailers Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Whole Foods, Edeka, Migros and Woolworths South Africa.
Media Contact:
Clare Harrison (English)
IPNLF
clare.harrison@ipnlf.org
Ismail Noval (Bahasa)
IPNLF
ismail.noval@ipnlf.org