On October 25, the ocean conservation community and the world suffered a great loss. Dr. Ruth Gates, the Director of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and the first woman to be President of the International Society of Reef Studies, passed away. She was a great and inspirational mentor to Heir Charley who focuses on coral, and we all mourn the loss of this impactful woman.
Message from Heir Charley:
“Dr. Ruth Gates was an incredible optimist who believed that we truly can save our coral. As an amazing mentor she provided opportunities to me, including being willing to present to a middle school with me! But she fell ill and could not join me. The coral community and I are still shocked that she is gone. I recently attended Reef Futures 2018 where coral restoration was the focus, and without Dr. Gates present on our planet it was a surreal experience. I hope that Dr Gates rests in peace.”