![](/web/20061229024424im_/http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/com/img/img_spacer.gif) |
|
|
Dr. Richard
James Beamish - Nanaimo
![Click on image for full-size version](/web/20061229024424im_/http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/prgs/obc/2004/2004_Beamish_sm.jpg) Dr.
Richard Beamish has been called a captain of science-one of those
few who scorn precedents and strike out in new directions, undeterred
by doubts or the criticism of their peers.
As a graduate student
in 1969, Dr.Beamish co-discovered the problem of acid rain in North
America. His work at the Fisheries and Oceans Freshwater Institute
in Winnipeg forced INCO Ltd. to reduce its emissions. He highlighted
the role that atmospheric processes play in transporting contaminants,
and the potential effect this may have on marine, freshwater and terrestrial
ecosystems. A leader in the world's scientific community, his work
has been instrumental in encouraging governments and others to address
these problems.
Dr. Beamish
has also been at the forefront of other types of research. He is
one of the pioneers examining how climate changes affect marine
fish populations, which has significant implications for the management
of Pacific salmon and other species. He pioneered novel approaches
to determine the age of fish, and the methods he developed and verified
are now routinely used around the world. He is one of the world
authorities on parasitic and non-parasitic lamprey in North America.
He has authored
or co-authored more than 250 scientific papers and reports. An educator
and mentor to the next generation of potential scientists, Dr. Beamish
has served as a director on the Foundation Board at Malaspina University
College, and taught a fisheries management course there for 10 years.
He makes science fun, exciting and challenging, and has been described
as "the standard for everything that is good about teaching."
Currently the
senior scientist at the Pacific Biological Station, Dr. Beamish
has received national and international awards and recognition.
Among them is his appointment as a member of the Order of Canada,
election to the Royal Society of Canada, and an international award
for "significant contribution over the past 20 years to the
field of population biology." He represents Canada on a number
of prestigious international panels and commissions.
|
|