The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition is saddened by the passing of Palau’s United Nations Ambassador Stuart Beck, a constant friend of the ocean and hero of the deep sea.
Ambassador Beck was a strong and constant critic of bottom trawling and his tireless efforts to stand up to powerful countries and be “the mouse that roared” led in large part to the historic United Nations General Assembly Resolution 61/105 which laid down strict restrictions on bottom trawling worldwide.
His strong guidance and advocacy and constant willingness to speak out for the oceans has left a lasting legacy, and propelled Palau onto the world stage as a leader in ocean conservation. DSCC mourns his passing, in particular in light of the upcoming 5 year review of the implementation of the UN bottom trawling resolutions in early August. He will be sorely missed.