It is with deep regret that we have to announce the loss of our esteemed scientist, Prof. Toshiyuki Hirano on August 19, 2020.

Prof. Hirano is a Professor Emeritus of The University of Tokyo, Japan. He dedicated most of his life to studying the impacts of marine environment on fisheries, and the impacts of fisheries on marine ecosystems. Prof. Hirano served as a professor of the Division of Marine Resources Environment of the Ocean Research Institute (currently Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute) from 1973 to 1987. Prior to joining AORI, he had been working for the National Fisheries Research Institute, Japan from 1947 to 1973, as one of the pioneering and leading scientists in fisheries oceanography. Owing to his great achievements, he was awarded with many academic prizes including the Award of Oceanographic Society of Japan in 1985.

His contribution to WESTPAC is of significance, particularly at the time when marine science development and cooperation in the region was just at its beginning. He served as the Vice Chair of WESTPAC for the period of 1979-1983, greatly promoted marine science development and cooperation among countries in the region. He was the chief scientist for the Japan-China Joint research on the Kuroshio in 1980s -1990s, which led to a great leap of our knowledge about the biggest current in the Western Pacific.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.