Joe graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with an honours degree in zoology. For three years he worked for the Ulster Museum as a diver/scientist, then for the following three years he was deputy manager of the Northern Ireland Aquarium, now known as Exploris, based in Portaferry.

He then moved on to join a marine consultancy firm before joining the Northern Ireland Civil Service where Mr Breen headed up teams including one which was set up to investigate the horse mussel beds in Strangford Lough.

Joe was a former helmsman at Portaferry RNLI and a former member of Ballycastle Coastguard Rescue Team.  When he was in Ballycastle he became a founding member of the Community Rescue Service (CRS) whose Regional Commander, Sean McGarry, paid tribute to a man ‘who has stood by me and behind me as long as I have known him’. Mr McGarry said his death came ‘after five weeks of incredible bravery and being an example to all’.

Joe served as a board member for Ulster Wildlife who said he brought a ‘wealth of marine experience’ to his role as a member of their board. “Everyone at Ulster Wildlife is deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Joe Breen,” they wrote.

“Joe brought a wealth of marine science expertise to his role as a Board Member of Ulster Wildlife and was an extremely committed champion for nature.

“His loss will be felt by us all. Our sincere condolences go to his family at this very difficult time”, they added.

Roger Proudfoot, Chair of the UK Healthy Biological Diverse Seas Evidence Group and Estuaries and Coasts Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “I have always admired and been inspired by Joe and the actions he took to not only raise the profile of the wonders of our marine environment and the need to protect and restore it, but also his voluntary service saving lives. He was an innovative conservationist who brought our hidden realm to life to inspire people. Both his conservation work and his life saving are a measure of his major contribution to supporting people and marine wildlife and he will be greatly missed. Marine biologist, waterman, family man and friend who enjoyed a pint, a good craic and loving life. It was an honour to have lived my life with Joe as a part of that.”

Michael Cecil, chair of Rathlin Development and Community Association, posted his ‘deep sadness at the untimely passing of a good friend’ who he had known almost 40 years.

“Joe was collecting sea life for Exploris in Portaferry and we were supplying conger eels caught in lobster pots around Rathlin”, he wrote. “My first memory of Joe was him trying to catch a particularly aggressive eel that was hiding under his transit van on Ballycastle pier”.

Mr Cecil continued: “Joe had a deep love and passion for the sea and he carried that with him in the job he loved with DOE/DAERA – he was fundamental in protecting the waters and seabed around the island whilst always maintaining good relationships with those of us who live and work on those waters”.

Katrina Godfrey, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), wrote, ‘This is such desperately sad news and from across DAERA we send our thoughts and condolences to Joe’s family, friends and UW colleagues. We’ve lost not only a passionate advocate for our marine environment but also a leader, innovator and a committed public servant. RIP, Joe.’

Queen’s University Marine Laboratory also posted a tribute, saying: “We are sorry to hear the sad news of Joe Breen’s passing and would like to extend our heart felt sympathy to all of his wonderful family and friends.

“Joe’s connection with the marine lab goes way back to his time as an undergraduate student at QUB.

“Joe was always enthusiastic and supportive of both staff and students here. All of our memories of Joe are good ones (and most involve boats, diving and his recounting of funny stories!). RIP Joe, you will be dearly missed.”