Recently, legendary oceanographer Dr. John Knauss passed away. The mark he left on National Ocean Service, NOAA, and the larger ocean community is lasting and profound.

Dr. John Knauss was a driving force behind the creation of the National Sea Grant College Program. He was the only academic oceanographer on the Stratton Commission. Among the results of the Commission’s recommendations were the creation of NOAA and development of the Coastal Zone Management Act. Dr. Knauss was later served as NOAA administrator.

In 2001, Margaret Leinen wrote a wonderful tribute to Dr. Knauss in Oceanography that provided a comprehensive picture of his career and accomplishments. As she puts it, Dr. Knauss had the “uncanny ability to be a part of nearly every major development in oceanography” for more than five decades.

The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, through which many of NOS’s leaders have come to NOAA, was named for this legend. Today, more than 50 Knauss alums have positions throughout our programs, including the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Office of Coast Survey, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and the Office for Coastal Management. I had the honor of meeting him in person at the end of my own fellowship as he presented NOAA pins to the Knauss fellowship class of 1992. His relentless dedication and leadership will be missed.

W. Russell Callender, Ph.D. 
Acting Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal
Zone Management, National Ocean Service