Hugh Halford Walton, 1956-2024
Hugh Halford Walton, a pioneering force in the Pacific fisheries industry, passed away peacefully on October 24 in Nelson, New Zealand, at the age of 68.
Hugh served as Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager of the Oceanic Fisheries Management Project during phase 2 of the project, overseeing a US$10 million budget and projects that spanned a six-year period, including the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Hugh was also instrumental in setting up the third phase of the Oceanic Fisheries Management Project (OFMP3), which continues his legacy today.
He had a long association with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and many other international and regional bodies operating in the Pacific. His life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to sustainable fishing practices and the welfare of Pacific Island communities.
Born April 6, 1956, in Blenheim, New Zealand, Hugh was the son of John and Gay Walton. He grew up with a profound respect for the ocean, which would later define his career. After completing his education at Nelson College and studying at Canterbury University, where he developed a strong social conscience and a love for the environment, Hugh embarked on a journey that would take him across the Pacific.
Hugh’s career in the fisheries industry began in New Zealand but soon expanded to the broader Pacific region. Over 35 years, he held various roles in fisheries development, management, science, and monitoring. His work was instrumental in addressing global environmental challenges and geopolitical tensions within the world’s largest tuna fisheries.
Hugh’s efforts were pivotal in establishing observer standards for fishing fleets and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—a legacy that continues to influence global practices today.
Hugh at his cottage in Nelson, New Zealand
In 2019, Hugh’s work in this area was recognised when he and colleagues at the FFA were awarded the top prize in the 2019 Stop Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing competition.
In Papua New Guinea, Hugh was celebrated for his leadership in establishing the National Fisheries College and initiating mariculture research facilities. His vision extended to negotiating access agreements with international bodies like the European Union, ensuring that Pacific Island nations received fair recognition and benefits from their marine resources.
Hugh’s dedication to capacity building over capacity replacement was a hallmark of his approach. He believed in empowering local communities to take ownership of their fishing industries, fostering sustainable practices that balanced economic needs with environmental stewardship. His work earned him widespread respect across the FFA and beyond.
“I remember loving being a fisherman, having my own boat, because it was all down to me and I like the space, I like being on the sea,” Hugh recounts in Keeping an Eye: Hugh Walton’s Pacific Odyssey, a biography of Hugh recently published by Nettie Barrow.
Hugh tuna fishing in Noumea, 1995
“The fact that I have been lucky enough to be involved in all these things has just been a process of stuff happening,” he added.
“I do remember when I started at FFA my friend Bob Gillett said he thought I would do really well at FFA, and now I think, ‘Well, you were right Bob I have done ok. When your boss calls you a legend you know that’s got to be good’.”
As Hugh was preparing the ground for the transition to OFMP3, he was acutely aware of the importance of putting climate change mitigation and adaptation at the heart of the organisation’s work.
“Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, parts of FSM and Tokelau, are all atolls, tiny,” he pointed out in his biography.
“The highest point on Marshall Islands is a causeway that goes across, it is not 100 metres wide. They have coral rocks thrown from one side of the island to the other.
These places are desperately vulnerable. Increasingly it is about climate justice.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Hugh was known for his warmth and generosity. He had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, often inviting colleagues and friends to share stories on his veranda over a glass of whiskey. He was a mentor to many, offering guidance and support that extended beyond professional boundaries. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children.
Hugh Walton’s enduring impact on the Pacific fisheries industry serves as an inspiration to all who strive for a more sustainable future. His life’s work remains a beacon of hope for those committed to preserving our oceans for generations to come.
Further reading
A chapter ends in a long, adventurous book on a life in fisheries for Hugh Walton
Hugh Walton Obituary 06.04.1956 – 24.10.2024 – Nelson Mail
Francisco Blaha tribute: Hugh Walton’s passing
GEF support for oceanic fisheries in transition in the Western and Central Pacific
