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Environmentalist, Dr Eric Shaw, dies aged 76
13th March 2023, 16:17 |
Dr Eric Shaw has died aged 76. An environmentalist known for his work both with marine life and the macaques.
His efforts to spread awareness on conservation saw him work with GBC over several decades, and in recent years he gained a significant following across social media as he reached out to a new generation.
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Born in Cheshire in 1946, Dr Eric Shaw first became involved with conservation work in the 1970s after settling here on the Rock. He formed part of the initiative which would establish the first artificial reef in European waters, an ongoing project which continues to nurture the local marine environment.
In 1989, his company, Medambios Environmental Consultants, was tasked with converting Queen’s Gate into what we now know as Ape’s Den - one of Gibraltar’s best known tourist attractions.
He was many people’s first port of call for information on the macaques or sea life in the area, and he always understood the importance of spreading his message to as wide an audience as possible. He featured extensively on GBC as presenter, co-host and interviewee on many programs over the years, with his current following on social media testament to his continued outreach efforts.
Plain spoken and passionate, Eric was on the forefront of environmental work in Gibraltar for decades. His long time colleague and friend, Minister John Cortes, said he will be missed, and that it is difficult to fully appreciate the value of his contribution in his field.
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Dr Shaw is survived by his wife Lilian and children Phillipa and Adrian. Our condolences to his family and friends. We will be looking back at some of Dr Shaw's programming on Friday 17th March on GBC Rewind, at 9pm.
Marine research and conservation charity, the Helping Hand Trust, paid tribute to Dr Eric Shaw as its founder.
It highlighted his campaigns to fight the mutilation of dolphins trapped in fishing nets, as well as the illegal import and export of fish.
The charity also pointed to Eric's work on the re-seeding of the former Water Catchments, and his contributions on nature in the international media.
The Helping Hand Trust said he dedicated his life to protecting the Rock's natural history and heritage, while promoting it across the globe.