Bill Ballantine was a noted New Zealand marine biologist and grassroots activist who successfully promoting the establishment of “no-take” marine reserves, both in New Zealand and internationally. These unprecedented reserves are widely considered to be a critical means of protecting marine resources which are quickly being depleted around the globe.
In a Conservation Blog, marine science advisor Debbie Freeman includes these memories of Bill and his lasting legacy:
As a lecturer, Bill was passionate, lively and inspirational. His eyes would widen and his arms would begin to wave enthusiastically, whether he was describing the life history of barnacles, the homing behaviour of limpets or the scientific value of having protected areas in the ocean. Later, as a postgraduate student at the Leigh Marine Laboratory, Bill was always there when we needed him, to talk – sometimes for hours – on ecology, politics, or virtually anything. Often it wasn’t until much later that we recognised the value of these conversations.
And here’s a link to his obituary in stuff.co.nz. NAEE’s Henricus Peters adds: “I personally recall the immense contribution of Bill within the conservation movement. He will be sorely missed.”