Northumberland Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority Welcomes Geoff Cowan BEM

NIFCA, which plays a crucial role in managing a sustainable marine and inshore fisheries environment in the waters off Northumberland and North Tyneside, is thrilled to benefit from Mr. Cowan's extensive maritime experience and dedication to marine conservation.

Geoff Cowan, a qualified Marine Engineer, brings a lifelong passion for both commercial and recreational fishing. From an early age, Mr. Cowan owned and operated his own fishing vessels, fostering a deep connection with the sea.

His professional career began in the Merchant Navy, before establishing his own engineering company specialising in marine engineering and power generation.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Cowan has been an active volunteer with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for over 50 years, serving at Cullercoats and Tynemouth, and holding the position of Second Coxswain.

His outstanding commitment to community service was recognised in 2020 when he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his contributions to the RNLI.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Cowan said: "I am thrilled to join NIFCA and contribute to its mission of ensuring sustainable fisheries and marine conservation. With a lifelong connection to the sea, I am eager to work alongside the board to protect our vital marine resources for future generations."

Mark Southerton, NIFCA chief officer, welcomed Mr. Cowan’s appointment, stating: "We are delighted to have Geoff join our board. His knowledge of this coastline and its local fisheries and his dedication to marine conservation as well as his marine engineering background will be invaluable to our efforts.

“Geoff's long-standing commitment to the maritime community, particularly through his service with the RNLI, exemplifies the values we uphold at NIFCA. We look forward to working with him to continue protecting our marine environment and supporting the local fishing industry."