By Jeffrey Bozanic
William Bushing, Ph.D. received the 2020 Environmental Enrichment Award.
He’s been based on Catalina Island for 51 years, looking at the local marine environment.
“I’m astounded that I’m being honored for doing something I love—studying the marine environment and sharing that with others,” Bushing said in a recent interview.
The recognition by the National Association of Underwater Instructors was based on Bushing’s efforts over his lifetime to raise awareness of the marine ecology surrounding Catalina Island, and his dedication in seeking to preserve the unique ecologies of both the land and ocean.
He received the reward on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Dr. Bill, as he is affectionately known, has influenced thousands of people, divers and non-divers alike, by increasing their knowledge and awareness of the ocean environment. A graduate of Harvard College, he later completed his Ph.D. at UC Santa Barbara in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Ecology. His dissertation research in the use of geographic information systems and remote sensing to study the distribution of giant kelp around Catalina helped managers determine what areas should be included in marine reserves and parks.
However, Bushing said they were looking at the entire eco-system, not just the kelp.
That said, kelp are important to fish, to fishermen and many of the marine lifeforms found locally.
Bushing said that many marine creatures “ride” on kelp rafts as larvae and would not have been able to reach Catalina without the kelp. Bushing did his initial studies of sea “critters” such as plankton in the 1960s. Much of that research was boat base.
But to carry out most of his studies, Bushing has used scuba diving, filming and observing. He has also used satellites to study kelp forests.
During his years on the Island, Bushing has been president of Star Thrower Educational Media, vice president for Science, Education and Ecological Restoration of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy, and a lecturer at UC Santa Barbara and for Lindblad Expeditions. During his tenure at the Conservancy, he established conservation programs addressing intrusive marine plant control, eradication of non-native animal species, rare plant species mapping, and other programs.
Bushing said he has written more than 900 newspaper columns, as well as producing two able TV shows and at least 50 videos. His has written 30 scientific papers.
“You write a scientific paper, maybe five people read it,” he said.
But his newspaper columns, which he still writes, reach laypeople.
“People do not care about what they know nothing about.” This concept is one of Dr. Bill’s mantras. He has steadfastly produced educational content that seeks to inform the public of what they cannot see, but exists in the oceans all around them. His articles have targeted both divers and the non-diving public, increasing their knowledge and awareness of the wonders of the marine environment.
The NAUI Environmental Enrichment Award was established in 1992 to recognize work causing or promoting improvement or protection of the aquatic environment. The award is given in two categories: one to recognize the efforts of an individual and one to recognize organizational entities. Only one award in each category may be presented annually. Bushing received his award in the individual category.
Bushing’s dedication and educational outreach have inspired others to protect and conserve the aquatic environment, and will continue to impact the preservation of Catalina Island’s water for decades to come.
The NAUI is an international scuba diving training and certification agency. NAUI is based on the principles of democratic self-governance and commitment for excellence. NAUI members and divers are devoted to preservation and conservation of our underwater environment. Through activity and education, NAUI in association with the NAUI Green Diver Initiative, empowers individuals to recognize small actions make a significant difference for the aquatic world. Their Green Diver Initiative, in association with the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, promotes awareness and action to safeguard of underwater ecosystems.
