Tributes to former Northumberland fisheries officer who 'left a strong legacy'

Jon Green, left, doing the work he loved, providing a fish identification session for the public at Northumberland Seafood Centre in Amble.

Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) said all at the organisation and everyone connected with fishing in Northumberland was very saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Green at the end of April.

Jon worked for the previous Sea Fisheries Committee from the late 1990s until it was replaced by NIFCA in 2011, when Jon became the deputy chief officer on the environmental side of the authority’s operations.

His former colleagues said that Jon brought a tremendous skill-set to his role, having a great knowledge of the local marine fishery and marine environment.

NIFCA’s CEO, Mike Hardy, said: “We were very sad when Jon retired last August and it is, of course, tragic to hear the news of his passing at this time.

“He left a strong legacy and I am very pleased that we are able to acknowledge that.”

During his working life, Jon also struck up lasting professional relationships and friendships with a wide variety of people with an interest in the work which he carried out.

It has been no surprise to NIFCA that following his death, many of those he worked with over the years have contacted the authority to express their sadness, but also admiration for and recognition of the work carried out by Jon and its importance to a sustainable fishery and marine environment in the Northumberland district.

For most of these people, the abiding memories of Jon will include him at work in the marine environment which he loved, fishing nets in hand during a survey on the coast or in one of the river estuaries.

Jon also brought his knowledge to bear in his unique style at meetings and other events which he attended on behalf of the Sea Fisheries Committee and then the IFCA.

One of his lasting legacies is also the number of young people who worked with him as junior officers and who he empowered to pursue their aspirations and careers in the marine fisheries and environmental sector.

The authority’s chairman, Les Weller, added: “I regarded Jon as a friend and I can only confirm all of the good work which he did both for the Sea Fisheries Committee, NIFCA and the officers who he worked with and helped to develop in their roles.

“Our sympathies go to his family and close friends at this sad time.”

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