Remembering Robin Welcomme
Courtesy of Robin’s FAO colleagues: John Jorgensen, Devin Bartley, Gerd Marmulla, Uwe Barg, and Felix Marttin
Dr. Robin L. Welcomme, born in 1938, was a highly respected fisheries scientist, renowned for his extensive work in inland fisheries and aquaculture. His illustrious career, spanning over six decades, began in the late 1950s when he served as Assistant Scientific Officer at the Water Pollution Laboratory and later at the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Research Laboratory in the UK. However, he soon transitioned to warmer regions, becoming a Scientific Officer at the East African Freshwater Fisheries Research Organization in Jinja, Uganda. From 1964 to 1967, he worked at Makerere College, University of East Africa, Kampala, where he earned his doctorate studying the effects of climatic change on the biology and ecology of certain fish species in the Lake Victoria basin.
Robin’s association with FAO marked a transformative phase in his career. Initially serving as a Fisheries Biologist in Benin, West Africa, he moved to FAO Headquarters in Rome in 1971. There, he held progressively senior roles, including Fishery Resources Officer, Senior Fishery Resources Officer, and eventually Chief of the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI) in 1989. In this capacity, he oversaw FAO’s global program on inland fisheries and aquaculture, addressing all technical aspects of the field. Additionally, he served as Secretary of the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission (EIFAC) and supported the development of other FAO regional inland fisheries bodies such as the Committee for Inland Fisheries of Africa (CIFA), the Commission for Inland Fisheries of Latin America (COPESCAL) and the Indo-Pacific Fishery Commission (IPFC) Working Party on inland fisheries. Robin led numerous initiatives aimed at the sustainable management and development of inland fisheries and aquaculture systems worldwide. He was instrumental in compiling analyzing and publishing information about fisheries in remote parts of developing countries that few people had even heard about. His pioneering research on inland fisheries ecology, particularly in river systems, floodplains, and reservoirs, significantly influenced understanding and management of inland fisheries.
Robin’s work shaped contemporary approaches to inland fisheries management by emphasizing the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. His groundbreaking studies on floodplain fisheries dynamics and river fisheries, and especially the relationship between hydrological cycles and fish productivity, are considered foundational reference material that are still relevant to this day. Robin was a prolific writer, contributing extensively to peer-reviewed journals, books, book chapters, and FAO Technical Papers and Circulars. Notably, in the early 1980s, Robin initiated the development of a database on introduced fish and aquatic species using an Amiga computer. This project evolved into the Database on Introductions of Aquatic Species (DIAS), later expanded and incorporated into FishBase. Retirement from FAO in 1998 did not mark the end of Robin’s contributions to the study of inland fisheries. He remained active in the field, continuing to author and review papers and provide advice until shortly before his passing.
Robin’s contributions have left an enduring legacy in fisheries science and limnology. His work continues to influence policies, practices, and academic research worldwide, particularly in developing countries where inland fisheries are critical for food security and rural livelihoods. Many of his papers, authored decades ago, remain widely cited. It is rare to find a scientific publication on inland fisheries that does not reference his work.
Robin was not only an unparalleled expert in inland fisheries, but also an inspiring mentor and collaborator with a great sense of humour. Those fortunate enough to have worked with him will remember his encyclopedic knowledge on inland fisheries in all corners of the planet, his profound understanding of the field, and unwavering commitment to advancing and disseminating knowledge. His expertise was not restricted to fisheries, he had a diverse range of interests including languages, dinosaur taxonomy, dancing, painting, acting and joking. He was generous in sharing his expertise, always willing to assist colleagues and support young researchers, particularly in developing countries. His guidance helped many emerging scientists establish their careers and publish their work, thereby significantly advancing inland fisheries research in these regions.
Robin, you will be dearly missed. Your contributions, humor and camaraderie will be your legacy that will continue to inspire and shape the field of fisheries science for generations to come.