News
RIP Geofrey Nanyaro, Stop Illegal Fishing Chairperson
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Geofrey Nanyaro, Stop Illegal Fishing Chairperson. Geofrey had a long career in the fisheries industry, particularly in public service, where he served as the National Director of Fisheries for the Republic of Tanzania and the Director General of the Tanzania Deep Sea Fishing Authority.
Following his retirement Geofrey served as the inaugural Chairperson from 2012 until his death in Tanzania, following a short illness, in April 2015. Geofrey played a significant role in the formation of Stop Illegal Fishing as a not for profit organisation and inspired all who met him with his deep commitment and integrity.
Tributes have poured in from his colleagues at Stop Illegal Fishing and FISH-i Africa, both initiatives that Geofrey was instrumental in establishing, defended and providing mentorship to:
‘I am already missing Geofrey. He unfailingly supported the SIF Secretariat, he shared our successes, always encouraged us in difficult moments, and he believed thoroughly in our work. He was simply one of the finest men I have known and his smile will remain with us always.’‚ Sandy Davies, Stop Illegal Fishing
‘He was such a light hearted man and warm in spirit. We have lost a strong man in the fight against illegal fishing.’ Victor Kargbo, Sierra Leone
‘Geofrey was a tower of strength in fisheries – with his untiring effort to stop the menace of illegal fishing in African waters.’ Mohamed Seisay, AU-IBAR
‘Geofrey was more than a fisheries expert; he appeared to us as a leader offering understanding, support and inspiration to all of us who worked with him.’ Tony Long, Director, Ending Illegal Fishing, Pew Trusts
‘At FISH-i Africa Geofrey was our Captain and front leader. Definitely we shall all miss him.’ Nicholas M. Ntheketha, Kenya
‘A true man of Africa, comfortable at international meetings but also deeply rooted in his family, culture and traditions.’ Richard Ball
‘Geofrey was not only a fearless fighter against illegal fishing who lead our group with respect and authority, he was also one of the most interesting men I have ever met. He was deeply rooted in his tradition and religion, extremely knowledgeable in so many ways and equipped with a clear moral compass.’ Kristin von Kistowski
‘Geofrey, through his accomplishments and work, has left a great legacy. As a person he was always humble, generous, principled, dedicated and both witty and clever. I am truly honoured to have known him and it has also been a great pleasure. His passing is a great sadness to so many of us with the world of fisheries.’ Per Erik Bergh, Stop Illegal Fishing
Geofrey represented Stop Illegal Fishing at the African Union as the chair of a Working Group on this issue; he spoke at many international conferences, always speaking from experience and with a passion and honesty about his work.‚
In 2014 Geofrey travelled to Costa Rica to collect an award for Stop Illegal Fishing for work in the global fight against illegal fishing. This year Stop Illegal Fishing is also to receive a highly prestigious award from the United Nations, the Margarita Liz¡rraga Medal Award. Geofrey was due to travel to Rome to collect this award later in the year, it will be a great sadness to all that he can no longer take part in the ceremony, but great tribute will continue to be paid to the significant and pivotal role he played in Stop Illegal Fishing.
The Stop Illegal Fishing Coordination Team