John Meares

John Meares (c. 1756 – 1809) was an Irish navigator, explorer, and maritime fur trader in service of Great Britain during the late 18th century. He is best known for his voyages to the Pacific Northwest; and from his base in Canton (modern day Guangzhou) he was deeply involved in organising a private network of British trade in China and the wider Pacific outside of the monopoly of the East India Company. His activities precipitated the Nootka Crisis, which brought Britain and Spain to the brink of war. He is also known for his early efforts to open up trade between feudal Japan and Great Britain.