Portus, Jim (BGS 1965-71) MBE
Jim was born in Abbotsham in 1954, the youngest of 4 and the only boy. He attended Pynes Infant and Westcroft Junior schools before gaining 11+ entry to Bideford Grammar School. His academic record was hardly glittering, but he gained enough “O” Level passes to secure an apprenticeship as a navigation cadet with P&O S N Co.
From September 1971, Jim attended Warsash School of Navigation, where the secrets of spherical trigonometry were revealed and mastered.
Jim met his wife, Margaret, on the School’s Cruise ship, “Uganda”, in 1973. They recently celebrated 51 years married. They have 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren.
Having attained the rank of Captain, Jim left the Merchant Navy to pursue a shore-based career. In 1987, he gained a BSc degree in Nautical Studies at Plymouth Polytechnic. Shortly afterwards, Jim secured a position as a Fisheries Inspector at Brixham in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF).
From 1989 and for 32 years, Jim was Chief Executive of South Western Fish Producer Organisation Ltd. In his role at SWFPO Ltd, Jim had responsibility for the sustainable management of his members’ shares of UK fish quotas. He oversaw fish marketing arrangements under the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU, then, after Brexit, his work functions became part of the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and the EU.
The SWFPO members are fishing vessel owners based mainly in the Channel Ports from where they target primarily the Dover Sole and King Scallop fisheries.
For 8 years, Jim was Chair of the Scallop Industry Consultation Group (SICG), established to achieve sustainable management of UK scallop fisheries under Fisheries Management Plans. Jim has been an ardent supporter of the Fishermen’s Mission and Seafarers UK, and he has run 24 Marathons since 1990, raising over £55,000.
For their pleasure, Jim and Margaret have hiked the Camino de Santiago, LEJOG, the Thames footpath, the Severn Way and many other long-distance footpaths.
Jim was a proud Patron of the Merchant Navy Monument Fund Charity that raised funds for the spectacular Merchant Navy Monument at Plymouth Hoe, unveiled by HRH the Princess Royal in September 2019.
For services to the fishing industry, Jim was made MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020. He retired in 2024, and now spends his time at the stable yard with Margaret, tending their horses. They also keep a very productive vegetable plot, thanks to the horse poo!
Jim Portus MBE FIMarEST AFNI CMarTech. BSc. (Hons) Master Mariner.
