Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland mourns the passing of Dr. Arthur May.  In addition to his role as President of Memorial University from 1990-1999, Dr. May had a long and close relationship with the Marine Institute. 

Dr. May was a member of the Institute’s Board of Governors (1988-89) and was its last President.  He was appointed President in October 1991 and guided both the Institute and Memorial University during the lead up to official affiliation on February 28^th, 1992.  Dr. May was very actively involved in bringing the Marine Institute into the Memorial University community and providing the environment for it to progress without losing its unique role in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

During his term as President of Memorial University, he was particularly proud of the development of research and advanced education programs at the Marine Institute.  He helped design the Institute’s first research chair (Industrial Research Chair in Fisheries Conservation) and in 1996 he commissioned a special plaque, which is placed in the Institute’s main stairway, to commemorate the awarding of the very first degree by the Marine Institute. 

“Dr. May was a man who made significant contributions to fisheries science,” said Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute).  “He was passionate about building world class fisheries science capacity at Memorial University through the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research at the Marine Institute.”

Following his retirement as President of the University, Dr. May continued to be active in Institute activities.  He was the founding chairman (2002-2012) of One Ocean, the senior liaison committee between the fishing and offshore petroleum industries.  He was also the founding chair (2010-14) of the Research Advisory Committee for the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research.