It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of the passing of a dedicated and passionate marine conservation scientist, Dr Rebecca (Becs) Leaper. Becs was awarded her PhD in marine ecology from the University of Aberdeen in 2000. Her passion to apply and extend her knowledge in ways that had tangible conservation outcomes in the marine realm was inexhaustible. Her drive and adventurous spirit saw Becs work around the UK, in New Zealand and for most of the past decade in Australia. Becs has been a key member of science teams at the Australian Antarctic Division, the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, CSIRO and most recently at the University of Tasmania's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science. She has worked on issues that range from the role of whales in their marine ecosystems through to conservation mechanisms for marine biodiversity. Becs passion for her work was matched only by her generosity of spirit in the way she interacted with her colleagues. She was an absolute live wire and a catalyst in all social groups that brought people together. Becs will be sadly missed by all of us who were lucky enough to have known and worked with her. Nick Gales Chief Scientist Australian Antarctic Division