Bob Hickman
At the 2009 conference, the NZMSS council presented Bob Hickman with a special award and lifetime membership in recognition of his tireless contributions to NZMSS over many years. Beyond his efforts to NZ marine science in general, Bob’s work carried the society through both successes and tribulations, and enhanced its capacity to promote and support marine science professionals and students. Bob did his M.Sc at the University College of North Wales, in Bangor, Wales. He worked for many years at the NIWA Aquaculture Research Centre in Mahanga Bay, Wellington, researching the biology and aquaculture potential of shellfish, in particular mussels, oysters and paua, as well as fish, including turbot and butterfish, and even crustaceans such as rock lobster. Bob has been a member of NZMSS since 1969 when he attended his first NZMSS conference. He has since attended over 40 annual conferences and been on the organizing committee for five of these. He was a long-standing member on the NZMSS Council, serving as Treasurer for over 15 years (1973-1976, 1987-1993 and 1997-2003) and serving as President from 2003-2005.