Tributes received from Robin's friends and colleagues (in alphabetical order)

In Memoriam - Tribute from the Tuna RFMOs 

 

Luis R. Arribasplata, Director of Maritime Affairs, Peru

The purpose of this letter is to express our deepest condolences for the passing of the former Interim Executive Secretary, Dr. Robin Allen.  I would thank you if you could gently forward it to his family.
I express the recognition of all staff in the Direction of Maritime Affairs for the work done by Dr. Allen on his extensive and distinguished career as well as our deepest regret for this loss.

Regards,

Luis R. Arribasplata

 

Jose Cañon, CORPESCA, Chile

Con pesar he recibido la noticia del fallecimiento de Robin a quien tuve el honor de conocer y compartir el interes por los recursos marinos y su sustentabilidad.

Translation: With sorrow I received the message of Robin’s passing whom I had the honour of knowing and sharing a common interest for marine resources and their sustainable use.

José

 

Ad Corten, The Netherlands

Dear Johanne,

I was sad to learn about the passing away of Robin Allen.  Too bad he did not get the time to realise his plans for producing his own wine in New Zealand.  I remember him talking about that with much enthusiasm one of the last times I saw him.
I remember Robin as a real gentleman: modest and civilised, and a very pleasant colleague to go out with for dinner during the many SPRFMO meetings that we attended together.  Robin was one of the colleagues who made the SPRFMO conferences enjoyable also from a social point of view.
Please pass on my condolences to Janice.  I would like to tell her that I will miss Robin (and her as well of course) during future SPRMO meetings.

Beet regards,

Ad Corten

 

Jorge Csirke, Peru

Dear Janice,

I am just one of the many fisheries scientists and managers that had the privilege of working and interacting with Robin while he was with IATTC in La Jolla, CA, USA, and more recently with the SPRFMO in Wellington, NZ. I worked for FAO in Rome for 30 years and upon my retirement I have been part of the Peruvian delegation attending the SPRFMO scientific and commission meetings since 2012. During all these years I had multiple occasions of interacting personally and professionally with Robin, for whom I developed the greatest appreciation, sympathy and respect.

Please allow me to join you and the whole Allen family in these moments of grief and sadness. I will remember Robin for his honest, direct and very gentle approach to things, even when tackling particularly difficult and conflicting fisheries related issues. Rest he in peace.

Sincerely,

Jorge Csirke

 

Régis Etaix-Bonnin, Department of Maritime Affairs, New Caledonia

It is a very sad new about Robin whom I first met more than 20 years ago during scientific and technical meetings on tuna fisheries with the secretariat of the Pacific Community somewhere in the Pacific: a extremely kind and professional person.

Would you please forward my sympathy to his family?

Regards,

Régis Etaix-Bonnin

 

Johanne Fischer, Craig Loveridge and Susana Delgado, SPRFMO Secretariat

Dear Janice,

On behalf of the SPRFMO staff, please receive our heartfelt sympathy and condolences for your loss. We are deeply saddened that Robin is no longer among us and will miss him very much, not only as an excellent and knowledgeable colleague and adviser but also as a good friend whose company was always so enjoyable. Robin has shaped the SPRFMO Secretariat, he provided guidance and scope at a time this was most needed. Before his involvement with SPRFMO, Robin had already made his mark in the world of international fisheries; his excellent contributions and his kind personality will be remembered by all who have known him.

We wish you strength to deal with your bereavement and we hope that the good memories of your life with Robin will help you in this difficult time.

All the best,

Johanne, Craig and Susana

 

Raul Sunico Galdames, Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Chile

Dear Mrs. Fisher,

It is with deep regret that we have received the unfortunate passing of Dr. Robin Allen.  I did not have the opportunity to know him personally, but I know about his constant work and his commitment with the SPRFMO since its beginning.  Those who worked with him have conveyed to me his high human quality, distinguishing his warmth, optimism, and constant good humour.  I would like to add my words of condolences due to his unexpected passing and bring comfort to his family and all the people who had the pleasure to know him. 

Yours sincerely,

Raul Sunico Galdames

 

Doug Gordon, New Zealand

My professional life has overlapped with that of Robins at various times over the years: In Fisheries Research and Management Division, MAFFish. NIWA, NZ Oceanographic Institute; and during my stints heading up Industry Trade Associations in NZ and the USA. I saw him at Scripps ;-- from the 1970's on. My career diverged into Minerals during the recent 17 years. But I recall Robin as brilliant in the statistics that underpin modern fisheries management; and as a gentle and good human with a kind and fair disposition.I know he was well respected by the NZ Fishing Industry. This news has come as a shock. We will miss him. Please pass my kindest thoughts and regards to his family.　

Yours sincerely,

Doug Gordon

 

Peter Ho, President (Retired), Overseas Fisheries Development Council, Taiwan

Dear Janice,

I am so shocked and sad to hear the passing of Robin. I know it is very difficult time for you to face such sadness. May I convey my heartfelt sympathy and condolence to you and your family to the loss of your beloved one!

Robin was a friend and a teacher to us. He was very learned scientist, and a real gentleman. He was willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others and we learnt a lot from him. His passing is really a great loss to the science community as well as to the world’s fisheries management.

I first knew Robin back in the late 90s when he took the position of the Director of IATTC after James Joseph retired. Later in the consultations on the amendment of the IATTC convention, I had many occasions of meeting him in La Jolla. He visited Taiwan many times, most of the time accompanied by you. After his retirement from IATTC, the Fisheries Agency of Taiwan invited him to be the scientific advisor, offering us scientific expertise and peer review in the work of tuna research, and for that purpose he visited Taiwan for a couple of times. Later, he took the work of the interim secretariat of SPRFMO and a member of the scientific committee in ISSF, and I had chances of meeting him in a number of international meetings. The last meeting I met you two was in Barcelona just a year ago in an ISSF meeting. He left with us his knowledge in writings and books, and above all the memory of working with him.

May he be in Heaven with our Lord, Jesus Christ, in eternal happiness. God bless you and your family.

Peter Ho

 

Peter Hutchinson, Secretary, North Atlantic Salmon Commission

The NASCO Secretariat is also deeply saddened by this loss and sends its sincere condolences to Robin’s family and former colleagues.

Best regards,

Peter Hutchinson

 

Kaitira Ibrahim Katonda, Director of Fisheries, Lake Tanganyika Authority

On behalf of the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) Executive Director, Eng. NIBIRANTIJE Jean-Marie, and on my own behalf, I would like to join other RSN Members in sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Dr. Robin ALLEN, especially his wife Janice and daughter, Sarah, for the loss of their beloved one. I wish also to convey our condolences to the SPRFMO Secretariat staff who have lost a good friend and colleague. May the Mighty God give strength to the family of Dr. Robin ALLEN and SPRFMO Secretariat staff during this difficult time. May God Rest His Soul in Eternal Peace.Amin.

Best regards,

Kaitira

 

Bruce Leaman, Executive Director, International Pacific Halibut Commission

We wish to add our condolences on losing such a good friend. While we knew Robin through the RSN network, we also had close ties with him through the arcane world of pensions. The North America-based fishery commissions all share the same Pension Board and we passed many hours with Robin in that forum. His unflagging optimism and especially his sense of humour enlivened those meetings and actually made one anticipate them in order to share some time with Robin. A truly wonderful man with a big heart. We shall miss him dearly.

Bruce

 

Gang Li, College of Marine Science, Shanghai Ocean University, People’s Republic of China

I am very shocked and sad when hearing this news.　

Dr. Robin Allen showed his excellent leadership when serving as the interim executive secretary for SPRFMO and he was extremely helpful to and supportive of the Chinese delegation and scientists to participate in events of SPRFMO.

Dr. Robin Allen is an elder, colleague and friend in my mind and his simple ways and gray hair will persist in my memory which never be forgotten.

Rest in peace Robin Allen and thanks for everything.

Gang Li

 

Xiaobing Liu, People’s Republic of China

It is very sad to hear the pass of my good friend, Robin Allen.

I have worked with Robin since 2003, when China started to participate the work of IATTC. Allen gave me a lot of help and advice. Under his help and advice, I can understand the measures adopted by IATTC within the shortest period of time.

As Interim Executive Secretary, Robin made a great contribution for the new RFMO in every aspect.

I will remember and miss Robin for ever.

Regards,

Xiaobing Liu

 

Bill Mansfield, First SPRFMO Chairperson, New Zealand

Although Robin and I had met each other in earlier phases of our lives it was not until he took up the position of Executive Secretary of the Interim Secretariat of SPRFMO that we got to know each other well and formed a very close professional partnership and an important personal friendship.  He was a great colleague to work with and especially so when situations became tense or challenging.  He was always a wonderfully calm, confident, steady and positive presence and I believe this was appreciated as much by delegates as it certainly was by me as Chair.  He treated all delegates with the same courtesy and attention and was always ready to provide advice and assistance where needed and to look for solutions to any difficulties that delegations were having.  Honesty, integrity and reliability were the hallmarks of everything he did and he set very high benchmarks in this regard.  He also took a close and caring interest in the welfare of his staff and created a positive and mutually supportive environment for them.  My working partnership with Robin throughout the many years involved in the establishment of SPRFMO is something I will always look back on with great appreciation, satisfaction and fond memories.  I will miss him very much and remember him as a great colleague, a good friend and a fine human being. 

Kind regards,

Bill Mansfield

 

Elena Conterno Martinelli, President, Sociedad Nacional de Pesquería, Peru

Dear Johanne:

On behalf of the Peruvian National Fisheries Society and myself, we wish to express our condolences for the passing away of Mr. Robin Allen.
Mr. Allen worked for the benefit of fisheries worldwide and particularly for the benefit of the RFMO agreements, where our country is active, so his loss will be deeply felt in the fisheries sector.  Please extend our condolences to his family.

Kind regards,

Elena Conterno Martinelli

 

Arni Mathiesen, Assistant Director General, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, FAO

I am very sorry to hear this news.

Arni Mathiesen

 

Driss Meski, Executive Secretary, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

We will never forget Robin

I knew Robin well, both from previous posts I held and most especially in my capacity as Executive Secretary of ICCAT. Robin’s passing is a great loss to all who knew him, but his excellent work as Executive Director of IATTC and Chair of the tRFMOs Secretariats will be long remembered. I recall particularly his pivotal role in coordinating efforts of tRFMOs under the Kobe process, the progress of which would not have been made without his efforts. Those of us involved in tuna management will miss him as a colleague, but even more as a friend.

Driss Meski

 

James Movick, Director-General, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency

It is with deep regret that we have learned of the sad passing of Robin Allen. Many Members and staff of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) worked with Robin in his various capacities as Director of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, as the Executive Secretary of the Interim Secretariat for the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization, and in the many other advisory and technical roles that he took on. He had a wonderful gift for sharing his deep commitment to modern fisheries science and management in a way that shone a gentle light on the many important and complex issues in which he was engaged. He will be greatly missed, and we extend our condolences to his loved ones. Time heals but Robin’s memory will live on with us forever.

Our sincere condolences and thanks to his family.

Sincerely,

James T. Movick

 

Ulises Munaylla Alarcon, Scientific Advisor, Sociedad Nacional de Pesqueria, Peru

Dear Janice,

I have just learned of the sad loss of my excellent colleague and good friend Robin. I cannot express the sadness I feel at this moment.

I remember Robin as fine, kind and generous man, who was always of full energy either as Executive Secretary of the IATTC and later of the SPRFMO, where he has been the key person to create and putting into operation this new organization. I had the personal satisfaction to share tasks with him in this process.

I know that words can give little consolation to relieve grief but I should like you to know that I too will be grieving for him.  

In deepest sympathy,

Ulises

 

Luis Quesada, Ambassador of Peru in Canberra

On behalf of the Government of Peru, I express my condolences for the passing away of the former Interim Executive Secretary, Dr. Robin Allen.  I am sure that all members and non contracting parties are unite in acknowledging Dr Allen's valuable contribution to the work and objectives of the organisation.
Please convey our deepest condolences to Dr. Allen's family.

Best regards,

Luis Quesada

 

Abdellah Srour, Executive Secretary, General Fisheries Commission of the Mediterranean

I would like to join other RSN Members in sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Dr. Robin ALLEN, especially his wife Janice and daughter, Sarah, for the loss of their beloved one. We pray that the almighty gives his family the strength to withstand this tragic moment. May his soul rest in peace.

Abdellah Srour

On behalf of GFCM

 

Vladimir Radchenko, Executive Director, North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission

The NPAFC Secretariat is deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Robin Allen’s passing.

We are sending out our sincere condolences to Robin’s family and former colleagues in the IATTC and SPRFMO.

Sincerely,

Vladimir Radchenko

 

Julian Augusto Reyna Moreno, Secretary General, Permanent Commission for the South Pacific

Dear Mrs. Fischer:

With great sadness we acknowledged the passing of Dr. Robin Allen, Former Interim Executive Secretary of South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO).

On behalf of the Secretariat of the Permanent Comission for the South Pacific (CPPS), we extend our condolencies to the SPRFMO's Secretariat and to Dr's Allen family for such an irreparable loss.

Sincerely,

Julian Augusto Reyna Moreno

 

Aquiles Sepílveda, INPESCA, Chile

Lamento profundamente que Robin no haya podido vencer su lucha contra la enfermedad que le aquejaba. Ojalá puedan transmitirle a su Señora un mensaje de mi parte y es que recordaremos con mucho aprecio y cariño a Robin por todas las vivencias que pasamos junto a él.

Aquiles Sepilveda

Translation: I am deeply sorry that Robin has lost his fight against his illness. I hope you can convey to his wife a message from me that we are remembering Robin with much respect and affection for all the experiences we shared.

Aquiles Sepilveda

 

Rodolfo Serra, Chile

It is very bad news indeed. I met Robin for first time when he was Director of the IATTC and later on had the opportunity to work with him in several science committee meetings during the negotiation process to build the SPRFMO. He made an outstanding contribution during this process. I knew he was sick however is a sad news to know he passed away. I would appreciate very much if you transmit my condolences to his family.

With best regards,

Rodolfo Serra

 

Merete Tandstad & Jessica Sanders, Fisheries Resource Officers, FAO, Italy

Dear Johanne and other Colleagues,

It was with great sadness we received the news of the passing of Robin Allen.  We will remember his helpfulness and his supportive nature.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends in these difficult times.

Regards, Jessica and Merete

On behalf of the FAO Deep-seas Fisheries Team

 

Isauro Torres, Ambassador of Chile in Wellington

Dear Janice,

I have just learnt with deep sorrow the news of Robin’s passing. Please, let me convey my heartfelt condolence to you and your family in these sad and difficult times.

I have great memories of working alongside Robin, his experience and knowledge but most of all, his extraordinary warmth in sharing these with his colleagues.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

With kind regards,

Isauro

 

Tzu-yaw Tsay, Director General, Fisheries Agency, Chinese Taipei

I am writing to express our heartfelt sorrow at the loss of our dear friend and former colleague, Dr. Robin Allen.

Dr. Allen’s contribution was crucial in forming South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization. During the time of his service, Dr. Robin’s indefatigable efforts have inspired our respect, but it was his kindness and warmth which evoked our admiration.

The time we worked together at SPRFMO was precious and memorable, and he left magnificent imprint on all of us. In this hour of bereavement, we hope for his family to take courage in fact that they knew a great man intimately. His remarkable legacy will be long remembered.

With our deepest condolence and respect.

Tzu-yaw Tsay

 

Marianne Vigneaux, SPRFMO Fishery Analyst

Those of us who were lucky enough to know Robin will remember him as a good man, a man without pretensions, and a man with huge amounts of common sense. We can only hope to live up to his standards of integrity and professionalism. He earned respect around the world, and will be greatly missed.

Marianne Vigneaux

 

Andrew Wright, Executive Secretary, CCAMLR

Sincere condolences and sympathy from all at the CCAMLR Secretariat. It would be appreciated if you could please also convey our sympathy to Janice and the family. Robin will be deeply missed by all who had the honour of working and socialising with him,

Drew and the CCAMLR team

Yugrai Yadava, Directo, Bay of Bengal Programme IGO, India

We at the BOBP-IGO are saddened to hear the news. Our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. We pray that the almighty gives his family the strength to withstand this tragic moment. May his soul rest in peace

Yugrai Yadava

 

Xiaorong Zou, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Dear Ms Janice and other members of the family:

It is very sad to hear the passing of my friend and colleague, Robin Allen.

I had the privilege of knowing Robin Allen in several years ago on the SPRFMO meetings, and I know the suddenness of it must have been a dreadful shock. He was a fine and brilliant man, and he will not be forgotten by the many who admired and respected him.

With the deepest sympathy to you and all your family.

Sincerely yours,

Xiaorong Zou

 

Yingqi Zhou, People’s Republic of China

It is every sad to hear that our good friend, Robin Allen had passed away. It is a big loss for SPRFMO and Robin's family.

I wish, with all members of the SPRFMO, to extend our heartfelt condolence and sympathy to his family.　
Regards,

Yingqi Zhou