Cyril Lucas facts for kids
Sir Cyril Edward Lucas (born July 30, 1909 – died January 14, 2002) was an important British scientist who studied the ocean. He was a marine biologist, which means he studied living things in the sea. For 22 years, he was in charge of fisheries research in Scotland.
Sir Cyril was a top expert on tiny sea creatures called plankton. He helped create a special tool called the Continuous Plankton Recorder in 1931. This tool helps scientists study plankton. He also worked hard to understand fish populations in the North Sea. He was one of the first people to suggest setting limits on how many fish could be caught. This idea, called "fish quotas," helps make sure there are enough fish for the future.
Early Life and Learning
Cyril Lucas was born in a city called Hull in England. His father was Archibald Lucas. He went to Hull Grammar School and then studied science at University College, Hull. There, he learned from a professor named Alister Hardy. Later, he continued his studies at the University of London and earned a special science degree in 1942.
His Work and Achievements
In 1939, Sir Cyril became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group for important scientists in Scotland. He later won a special award from them, the Neill Prize, and served as their Vice President.
In 1942, he became the head of the Oceanography Department at University College, Hull. This meant he led the study of the ocean there. In 1948, he moved to Scotland to become the Director of the Marine Research Unit in Aberdeen. This unit studied sea life. He also took charge of the Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory in Pitlochry in 1958, which studied fish in rivers and lakes. He retired from both jobs in 1970.
Sir Cyril was also made a member of the Royal Society of London in 1966. This is one of the oldest and most respected science groups in the world. He received special honorary degrees from Hull University in 1975 and Aberdeen University in 1977. In 1976, he was given the title of "Sir" by the Queen, which is called being knighted.
He passed away in Aberdeen on January 14, 2002.
His Family
In 1934, Cyril Lucas married Sarah Agnes Rose, who was known as Sallie. She passed away in 1974. They had two sons, named John and Andrew, and a daughter, named Alison.
