In Memoriam: G. Carleton Ray, Leading Expert in Marine Science

A key figure in the formulation and passage of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, Ray wrote a remarkable list of papers and reports during a 65-year career dedicated to the emerging field of conservation ecology and an interest in informing the public about coastal-marine science and conservation.

Ray was dedicated to conservation ecology and coastal-marine science and conservation. (Contributed photo)

His early study of polar marine mammals led Ray to become the first researcher to begin scuba diving in Antarctica. He also curated the New York Aquarium, where he initiated work on the acoustics of marine mammals with colleagues from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Ray was among the first to describe the underwater sounds of marine mammals as “song” in a strict behavioral sense.

“I was always inspired by Carleton's knowledge and global experiences, ranging from scuba diving in Antarctica to following walrus herds on Alaskan sea ice floes to helping develop marine protection zones in tropical waters,” colleague Michael Erwin, a retired research professor, said. “How different can you get?”

Erwin co-taught a course in conservation science with Ray and worked with him in writing Albemarle County’s the first natural resources plan.

His study of polar marine mammals led Ray to be the first researcher to scuba dive in Antarctica. (Contributed photo)

“He was indeed a man for all seasons and a respected voice for conservation around the world,” Erwin said.

At UVA, Ray taught as part of the University’s conservation-science initiative and researched arctic environments, including the diminishment of sea ice and its effects on marine mammals.

He is survived by his wife, research scientist Jerry McCormick-Ray, who worked frequently with Ray overseas and co-wrote books and reports with him.