It is with great sadness that we heard of the early death of Professor Ibrahim Okumu of the University of Rize in Turkey.

Those of us who have worked with him knew him, not only as one of the foremost specialists in aquaculture research in Turkey, but also as a charming and modest personality with a great sense of humour. His courage, endurance and resilience in the face of his illness is something that we shall not forget.

He made a memorable contribution to European aquaculture in many different ways, and had been a member of the AQUATNET network from the start.

He was also a partner in the LEONARDO project PESCALEX, and had attended the Startup meeting held in Dublin from 13-16th November. The PESCALEX partners had the pleasure of meeting and working with him on plans for the future development of an aquaculture glossary in Turkish, as well as developing modules on fish diseases.