Professor Peter Reijnders received an international lifetime award in Bonn (Germany) on September 16 2009. He was honoured for his contribution to the conservation of marine mammals all over the world. It was the first time in its fifteen year history that ASCOBANS – Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas – handed out a lifetime award.
“The significance of Peter’s contribution is well known to everyone working in the conservation and marine mammal scientific fields”, the organising committee stated. “This can be seen via his extensive publication list (particularly his ground-breaking studies on the impacts of pollution); his appointment as a Professor in Germany as well as in the Netherlands; the guidance that he has provided to undergraduate and postgraduates through the years; his networking activities; his personal commitment to conservation and in many other aspects.”
Peter’s expertise has also provided ASCOBANS with the necessary guidance. For many years he chaired and vice-chaired the Advisory Committee of the Agreement. Peter will officially retire by the end of May, “making the timing of an award this year highly appropriate”, it was added at the awards ceremony.
Recently, on May 29 2009, Peter had also been awarded the royal distinction of Officer in the Order of Oranje Nassau.