The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today expressed sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Jon Lien, a well-known Memorial University scientist and internationally renowned marine and environmental steward.

"Dr. Jon Lien will be remembered for his enduring love and passion for nature, wildlife and humanity," said Premier Williams. "Affectionately referred to as "the Whale Man", Dr. Lien was an extremely knowledgeable and passionate man well-known for his tireless work with the Whale Release Program, his grassroots approach to solving the global problem of whale entanglement in fishing nets. In addition, Dr. Lien was an outstanding educator who made overwhelming advancements in the field of marine conservation and preservation."

Originally from South Dakota, Dr. Lien relocated to Newfoundland and Labrador in 1968 when he accepted a position as a professor at Memorial University. He was a leader in the creation of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society's Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter, the Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and he helped generate initiatives for National Parks and Marine Protected Areas across Canada. Dr. Lien served on the Federal Minister's Advisory Committee on Oceans until 2004 and worked on the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council in 1993 and the Environmental Assessment Panel for the Terra Nova Offshore Group with Dr. Leslie Harris in 1996. He founded the Whale Research Group in 1978 which provided a wide range of materials for public use. Dr. Lien received numerous notable awards for his work including the Order of Canada and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"On behalf of the people and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Judy, as well as to the many family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Jon Lien," added Premier Williams. "He will be deeply missed and long remembered for his many accomplishments."

- 30 -

Media contact