It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the death of Professor Marino Vacchi, Scientific Committee Representative for Italy, on 11 June 2024.

Marino joined the CCAMLR Scientific Community in 1990 and contributed significantly to the work of CCAMLR from then up to the present. He was a constant promoter of the principles of CCAMLR and the unique status and mandate that CCAMLR holds. He was instrumental in establishing the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area and a strong advocate for following the best available science in Antarctic policy. He received his Wombat award in 2020.

Marino leaves a deep legacy: decades of active Antarctic marine research, an enthusiastic scientist, an insatiable curiosity about Antarctic ecology, a gentle smile, and many protégés who now continue to progress his passion.

We send our sincere condolences to his family.