Dr Scoresby Shepherd AO passed away during May. He was 90 years old. He had many honours, including being made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2006. Details about ‘Scores’ were reported in the local press. “Southern Fisheries” magazine covered the story in its Spring 2006 issue.
One 2006 newspaper reported that ‘SAS’ had published more than 100 articles, chapters, books and handbooks. Those handbooks include being co-editor of the 3-part “Marine Invertebrates of Southern Australia”.
His books include “Natural History of Spencer Gulf” and “Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs” as co-editor. There are many others too numerous to mention here. “Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs” received a Whitley Award for the best marine ecology book of 2013.
In 2008, the Royal Society of South Australia presented Scoresby with the Verco Medal for contributions to science (http://seadragon.podzone.org/nletters/january2009.htm#1).
Fortunately for us, Scoresby published (part one of?) his memoir “Paradise is Underwater” in 2016. He also received good coverage in “Rock Star – The story of Reg Sprigg – An out back legend” by Kristin Weidenbach.
I was quite surprised when Scoresby thanked me in his acknowledgments in his memoir “Paradise is Underwater”. I will be forever grateful that Scoresby used one of my underwater photos in “Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs”.
Scoresby either discovered or described many new marine species, or had new species named after him. I wrote about this in “Scoresby’s Many Discoveries” in the 2011 MLSSA Journal.
Scoresby was Patron of the Marine Life Society of SA from 2003 to 2018. He was awarded Life Membership of the Society in 2016.
As a long-standing Secretary and President of the Society, I was present for many of Scoresby’s ‘Life Events’, including his Verco Award presentation in 2008. I was present when he became the Society’s Patron, there when he was awarded Life Membership, and there when he stepped down after more than 15 years as Patron.
I was present when PIRSA/SARDI presented Scoresby with a birthday cake for his 80th birthday. I was not only there when Scoresby made his final farewell from PIRSA/SARDI in 2021, I was one of the presenters for it.
Scoresby was a supporter of many marine groups, including Reef Life Survey Foundation (RLS). He was said to be “instrumental in the establishment of the Reef Life Survey Foundation and served with great dedication on both the Reef Life Survey Foundation Board and Advisory Committee for many years. His wisdom, guidance, generous donations, and unwavering support were invaluable to our mission.”
Further, “More than a decade ago, the Scoresby Shepherd Awards were created– an initiative that honours and recognises the exceptional efforts of (RLS) volunteer divers each year. …. we are honoured that his legacy will live on through these awards and the continued work of those he inspired.”
When word got out about his passing, some of the online comments included:
“ a remarkable man whose life’s work helped shape the future of marine science in Australia”
“a distinguished researcher and passionate advocate for our oceans”
“an enduring force for conservation in South Australia and sustainable fisheries management worldwide”
“His influence extended far beyond academic contributions”
“Scoresby’s lifelong dedication to marine science and his enduring support for citizen science will never be forgotten.”
“Scoresby is a legend and was a great supporter of Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries from the start.”
“A champion for the environment. Courageous to express the truth of disastrously damaging coastal developments .His research in many oceans will remain forever.”
A low-key private family funeral for Scoresby was held in May. I was honoured to be one of the very few people invited to attend the private funeral. A celebration of his life is was held in June.
Our condolences go to his wife Anna, his children Louise, Lincoln and Christopher and their spouses and children, and his many colleagues and friends.
Scoresby with wife Anna and Noeleen Reynolds
Excellent obituary for SAS,thanks so much for the great timeline regarding his involvement with MLSSA in particular. Obviously he involved himself in countless other ways, many-in objective sense- more important in the big scheme. But just what he did for we MLSSA folks was amazing!
I have been telling people for many years now that Scoresby was my “Main mentor ” wrt my minuscule contribution to temperate marine life knowledge, education, and research,and he opened many doors for me that otherwise would have remained closed.
RIP,in the underwater paradise.
PS: in a strange way, I’m sort of happy that SAS was, by virtue of his severe illness in recent years, blissfully unaware of the HAB that has been devastating much of SA coastal waters since March, probably earlier.