Tribute to a frontline scientist in marine pollution research

Abstract

This special issue of Ecotoxicology is dedicated to a distinguished humane scientist, Dr. Simao Nascimento de Sousa. As a mark of respect for his outstanding contribution to marine pollution research an International Workshop on Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology was organized at Goa, India during February 24–26, 2004. Dr. de Sousa, born on February 26, 1944 at Corlim, Ilhas, Goa, India, is a multifaceted personality. Maintaining unusually a low profile, Dr. de Sousa is a man of highest integrity and his devotion to marine science is impeccable. After completion of his graduation in 1969 and master’s degree in 1971 in Physical Chemistry from the University of Bombay (Mumbai), India, Dr. de Sousa began his journey in quest of marine pollution research. He started his career as a Senior Scientific Assistant at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa in 1972 and then on he continued as an ardent researcher on marine pollution assessment and remediation. In 1979, he was deputed to the University of Liverpool, UK where he completed postgraduate diploma in Marine Pollution Chemistry. After an in-depth study on pollution of the Mandovi-Zuari estuarine system, he completed his Doctorate on the thesis entitled ‘‘Chemical Characteristics of the Mandovi and Zuari River System’’ from the University of Bombay. Dr. de Sousa has contributed extensively in a large number of projects dealing with environmental impact assessment sponsored by different national and International agencies. He has been recognized as scientific adviser to various National and International Organizations. As a renowned oceanographer, Dr. de Souza has spent close to 1,000 days at sea on board 10 different oceanographic research vessels with 48 cruises in search of in-depth study on various aspects of bio-geochemical processes in the ocean. Dr. de Souza will always be remembered for his significant contribution as a leader of some of the important projects like ‘Marine Pollution Assessment and Ecotoxicology’ (MPAE), ‘Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System’ (COMAPS) and ‘Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management Plan’ (ICMAM).