In Memoriam: Professor Paul Somerfield

Tina and Annabel, on behalf of the Trustees of PML, I would like to convey our deep sadness to you at the passing of Paul. PML has lost an excellent scientist and a dear friend. Paul was hugely respected by all who worked with him because he was one of those precious people who shine the light on others not on himself; a true team player. At this painful time, our thoughts are with you both and we hope that the lasting memories of Paul are a source of pride and support

Paul & the Animal Ethical Review Committee!

I’m not sure whether anyone at PML now will know of the existence of this strangely titled committee, but its establishment was the first time I worked with Paul.

The committee was required under the rules that the Home Office introduced which applied to some of the research that PML carried out in 1996/97 on marine vertebrates.
Paul was asked to be a member of this committee because of his extensive knowledge of marine biodiversity. My role was two-fold: firstly as secretary to the committee and, secondly, somewhat bizarre for me, acting as lay representative for the species on which we were carrying out research! Not having a scientific background, I did rely heavily on Paul to give me pointers in respect of the second role. I recall being very impressed by Paul’s knowledge and welcomed his advice.

Other members of the committee were Dr Peter Claridge, Chairman (PML’s Deputy Director), and a vet from Exeter, whose handshake when he arrived at a meeting of the committee we all tried to avoid as he had an iron grip. This was probably useful for his profession, but did cause Paul, I and others to wince!

On the odd occasion, we also had to endure a fleeting visit by Dr Dark (yes really!) of the Home Office, who lived up to his name whilst making sure we followed the rules.

Over the years there were a number of other committees or panels of which Paul and I were members. Paul always had the ability to think outside the box or raise a question that no-one else had thought of. PML was very fortunate to benefit from Paul’s strategic and lateral thinking in addition to his scientific prowess.

Paul was quite a character, and I will miss him, his whit, and his wisdom and insight greatly. I know he was hugely proud of his contribution to science and leaves a lasting legacy. Having personally worked closely with him over the past few years on the INSITE project, he will be a huge loss to the scientific community. He was instrumental in bringing together this merry band of scientists, and our recent work that you’ve all contributed to will undoubtedly contribute to his memory. It was wonderful that in recognition of his science, he was deservedly awarded an Honorary Professorship from the University of Plymouth in July, of which I know he was extremely proud when I spoke with him last.

Hey Paul
Just recalling happy memories of PRIMER moments. Sharing a room with a crate of Little Creatures, chips at the cafe on Downderry beach, lovely meals in Perth.
Cheers mate!
Ray

Dear friends and colleagues,

I was going to write to just the MEB group to say what sad news it is to hear about Paul's death. However, while he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of marine ecology, and was such an important member of our group, he worked with people across all science areas, and others nationally and internationally; I therefore wanted to share my condolences more widely as he will be hugely missed by many.

I have known Paul since 1992, he was a good friend, a valued mentor, both to myself and many others, an advocate for work life balance and a very valued counsel to the MEB group.

My thoughts are with all his friends, colleagues and particularly with his family.

We will miss you Paul.
Pennie

Paul was one of the first people I met at PML. He managed to make me laugh while talking me through statistics and instantly made me feel so at home here. He would often check in and remembered the little things that were important.

Paul gave so much to the student community, offering his time and honest advice to support us with anything from stats to the wider career and life challenges we all face as researchers. He's a joyous character we shared fond stories of and will be part of many of our journeys into science. He will be very missed.

I am so sorry for the loss that all those who knew and worked with Paul for many years will be feeling, and deeply saddened that my time working with him has been cut so short. Our last conversations reminded me to enjoy the fun, discovery, and hope that comes with a scientific career.

Kind wishes to everyone during this time,
Jaz

Paul’s scientific impact has been truly world-wide, not just from his influential publications but also through the PRIMER workshops around the world, where Paul lectured for a week to doctoral students through to (fellow) professors, enhancing both PML’s reputation and always helping individuals to gain valuable insights into their own multivariate data sets. Several local organisers of these workshops have sent their shocked reactions to the news, and condolences, e.g.

“I remember these times with Paul very fondly, not only in terms of his advice on approaches to analysis, but also during our more social engagements … He will be sorely missed” (Prof Steve Smith, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW)

“Paul was great to work with and made the impossible surmountable. We enjoyed a lot of tea and the odd beer together on the workshop in Edinburgh and the ones he ran for CCW in Wales too. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed” (Prof Bill Sanderson, Heriot-Watt University)

“I have fond memories of the PRIMER workshop he instructed in St Augustine FL. He will be missed.” Michael Shirley, Deputy Director, Office of Resilience & Coastal Protection, FL DEP

“He was a great person and scientist…” (Prof Steve Murray, Provost, LSU Fullerton, CA. He organised a workshop for Paul to lead in Orlando FL, which led to Paul’s Antarctic trip on a NOAA review panel)

“Paul exercised an important influence in our professional lives. [JJ:] His 1995 paper in MEPS… was the first I read from him …and it made my MSc a lot more bearable.” (Prof JJ Cruz-Motta, U Puerto Rico & Dr Edlin Guerra Castro, UNAM Mexico, who were leading a Spanish-language PRIMER workshop when the news about Paul was received, and held a period of silence in respect.)

For myself, it has been a privilege to publish with Paul, and lead some of the PRIMER workshops together. We have had some memorable weeks – not least at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute CA, where Paul was able to pay his respects to one of his scientific heroes, Ed Ricketts (“Doc” in the Steinbeck novels). Paul has meant a great deal to me, professionally and personally. “Sorely missed” is an understatement.

Dear Paul,
Writing to express gratitude for all the lessons you’ve taught me and admiration for the huge impact that you’ve had in the field. I will hold the memories from our times together in Monterey and Seattle close to my heart. Adding my love to that which you’re surrounded by.
Your friend and with massive respect,
Jeff

This is such sad news. I first had the privilege of working with Paul when I was working at the university and he immediately became a friend as well as frequent collaborator. I worked with him on multiple projects whilst at the MBA as Paul was one of those people who if he asked me I would always say yes. I am honored to have been a PML colleague of his these last few months but as for everyone else - he will be remembered mainly as a friend. Matt

I didn’t know Paul well, to be honest, but we often exchanged pleasantries in the coffee area or the corridor and he always seemed to have some reflective question or another on his mind, or an idea fermenting away that he would casually throw out there. Because we were both active in teaching data analysis software, me qualitative and he quantitative, we found a shared interest in exploring how we could creatively combine our skills and hoped we could find an opportunity to have a go at some point. Paul appeared to genuinely enjoy his workshop teaching and was proud, I think, of the reach and impact this had on researchers around the world. At PML seminars, regardless of topic, you could usually rely on Paul to pitch in with a challenging question, but always borne out of a genuine connection he had made between disciplines or projects or people. It often struck me if we passed one another in the corridor that we were rather similar in appearance; I just wish I had half the personality he had though. RIP.

Paul's loss will touch all of us at PML and so many in the outter marine ecology community.
I worked closely with Paul for many years, after starting at PML. Paul was an incredible ecologist, always up for trying new things all through his career, new ideas. He had encyclopaedic knowlege of the ocean. He also always encouraged the advancement of others, of their careers. He always made time to support others.
Above all, I will miss Paul's free thinking mind, his rebel streak, and his witty humour.
Ana

Paul was always at his best when informally talking science, or indeed putting the world to rights.  I would often arrive in the mess room (renamed to the coffee room sometime around the turn of the century) and “Timmy!” (in reference to the South Park character) would ring out across the tables in his Irish accent – which invariably meant I spent half an hour longer there than originally intended.  There would always be a long shaggy dog story, punchline flawlessly delivered, followed by a discussion of what science we were collaborating on, which was never particularly organised. 

Paul had this fantastic knack of making a great idea he had had, something that you just had to work on – which in the end you thought was your great idea in the first place.  Some of the best work I have done in the last quarter of a century has been along these lines.  The Light Pipes patent of the 2000s; the Heat Flux paper of the 2010s – if you chase back to the kernel of the original idea it was almost always down to a pub conversation with Paul. 

His best projects, not necessarily because of the stellar science, were ones where he was able to bring people together socially.  Particularly thinking of the projects which joined up the Plymouth and Roscoff laboratories in the 2010s.  With these you could walk from PML to the ferry terminal – overnight on the Brittany Ferry – and then arrive for a coffee and croissant in Roscoff early the next morning.  Here he was in his element and thrived in his conversations with his French counterparts. 

It was a privilege to have known Paul, to have collaborated with him and most of all to have been inspired by him.  I will never forget the afternoon, a couple of weeks before he died, when Steve Widdicombe and I forced him into a car and drove him to the Hoe for an extended coffee break, overlooking Plymouth Sound on a flawlessly sunny but windy day.  It summed everything up: three old friends talking about old times and the blarney that goes with it all breaking bread (cake!) together. 

We will miss you Paul – may you rest in peace. 

There are very few scientists who truly have a lasting global impact on their subject and also upon the lives of so many fellow researchers and students. Paul must surely be one of those few.

Sad news. Such a stalwart member of the Plymouth marine research community. We will miss him.

Very sad to hear this news, It's really a loss to marine science.

Dear Paul,

I heard you became an Honorary Professor at the University of Plymouth recently. I was very happy to hear that as it is such deserved recognition! I remember hearing from you first from John Field when I was about to move from Cape Town to PML in 1999. He told me that whenever I had a statistical issue you would, with your sharp mind, provide me with the best advice. He knew that in Cape Town I worked a lot with statisticians because my main tools at the time - hydroacoustics - needed a lot of complex statistical analysis. My career at PML took me to other areas and so we had limited interaction while I was in Prospect Place. However, I followed you closely, especially of course while I was Director of Science and Deputy CEO. I always saw you as a person with great scientific and personal integrity, with deep knowledge of ecological interactions, uncompromising views when required, but also with humility to ensure you made the most of the above qualities. You were a great asset to PML, and this Professorship is a recognition of a stelar career.

I am told you are now heading towards the end that awaits us all, and this saddens me because it comes ahead of time. As ecologists we know about the cycles of life, the renewal that follows. and the connection between past, present and future in the structure of ecological communities. We are all part of the community of humans and have an invisible connection that, every here and then, we ought to stop and consider. I want to honour what you have achieved and who you are. I hope you are surrounded by loved ones that will give you the peace to contemplate the past and face the next stage. I would have wanted to come to see you and say these things in person, but it is not possible at the moment. My work with FAO is very intense and all encompassing. I do come to Devon every couple of years, and will retire there when the time comes, but we may not get to see each other. I just want to wish you safe travels, and the courage required to go through them, my friend. And to thank you for what you have added to our community.

All the best,
Manuel

Paul was a brilliant scientist and he was World renown for his knowledge of biodiversity and multivariate statistics. He contributed so much to the success and culture of PML in 32 years of dedicated service. Yes, Paul was all of that, but so, so much much more. For me, Paul will always be the guy with whom I shared those moments that made being a marine biologist just so much fun. He was just a great bloke. From the moment we both arrived at PML in 1991, he was my buddy for crazy dives, the guy I got stuck in the mud with and the one whose 'out there' ideas made science really interesting and surprising. He was smart and funny, knowledgeable yet humble, made friends easily and had a knack of putting people at ease. Ultimately, Paul was just the perfect teammate and I will deeply miss not being able to be on Paul's team anymore.

Dear Paul,
Such a kind and funny soul who was been taken from us far too early.  I’ll miss our chats in the corridor and will always remember the kindness and advice I received from you when I started at PML.  I’m sorry that I can’t be there for the celebration of your amazing life, I know it will be a bitter-sweet time for everyone as they all come together to remember the good times - I’ll be raising a glass to you for sure!
With happy and fond memories,
Geri

Dear Paul, this is Ari from the PML comms team. We only worked together a couple of times, but I wanted to send you a short message. One thing I wanted to say, is that whenever I have worked with you, you have been so friendly, responsive and so quick to get jobs done - an absolute delight (and rarity!) for us here in comms! I love that "get stuff done" attitude. And you have always been kind to us. Also, one thing that I noticed about you is your curiosity for knowledge - it seemed you would be in the crowd for any seminar that took place at PML, I can't think of one you didn't go to! And you'd always be there asking interesting questions. Whether you did this for moral support, or the thirst for learning, or a mixture of both - I don't know, but it always stood out to me, and I think I could take a leaf out of your book and be a little more 'Paul'. If this little message is coming to you from me, essentially a bit of a stranger, I can't imagine the outpouring of love you will be getting at this time from your colleagues and friends and loved ones. I hope this love brings you comfort. Love from Ari

This is really shocking news! Paul was a great researcher and mentor. He was the external examiner for my PhD Viva at the University of East Anglia, which was an entirely enjoyable and enlightening experience. In his usual manner, Paul brought incredible insights that improved the quality of the final draft of the thesis. He provided a reference letter to support my application for a Postdoctoral position, and we continued to keep in touch afterwards. We would miss Paul dearly, not least for his fantastic personality and incredible expertise in multivariate techniques for community ecology. I believe that Paul's legacy in this field will continue to inspire others in years to come.

I first met Paul when I came to the Plymouth Marine laboratory as a PhD student in June 1995. Paul was an incredibly talented and creative scientist, and an important member of the Biodiversity Team back then. The first time I worked with Paul was shortly after my arrival in Plymouth, when he came out to the Lynher Estuary to help with some field sampling for an experiment. He got stuck in the mud and I vividly remember various expletives echoing through the estuary as Paul got increasingly frustrated and eventually had to be dug out. He would not speak with me for a week, but he wasn’t cross for long and would become a role model and friend who I knew I could count on, no matter what.

The “Paul Way” of doing everything in life was truly unique: always thorough, always authentic and always full of integrity. Throughout my career, I have often asked myself “What would Paul do?” and frequently found the answer. When the answer wasn’t obvious, I simply called, and Paul would share his insights and his impeccable professional judgement. His sharp mind spotted poor science from a long way off, and working with him over the years has massively influenced the science I do and how I do it.

As a friend, I greatly valued Paul’s honesty. He said things as he saw them, and at times we would agree to disagree, especially about things that were funny – or not. Paul worked so hard helping me get to grips with the English sense of humour: “What is brown and sticky? A stick!” More than 25 years on, I just about get the joke that would make Paul burst out in laughter every time. His unique sense of humour never really left him. Paul has given me so much and I will miss him terribly. His legacy will live on in all who lived and worked with him.

Paul was my neighbour in PML for many years. Soft-spoken, always kind and polite, with a twinkle in is eye. I remember him as someone who always tried to solve your problems, whenever you approached him with a question. Very saddened to hear the news.

The Plymouth Marine community has lost a real stalwart and champion of marine science. Paul was a great ecologist and advocate of our oceans. He would unselfishly share his knowledge and encourage and actively support other scientists in this field. It was always refreshing to engage with his sharp intellect, bubbling creativity and warm humour. He will be sadly missed.

What stood out to me about Paul was how helpful and open-minded he was! He always had an open ear and time to brainstorm, be it with students or colleagues. In conversation with him I felt heard and supported, and he could be relied on to come up with fresh ideas and solutions that I hadn't thought to consider before. Thank you Paul, for sharing your knowledge and ideas so freely. Your positivity and enthusiasm will be missed!

I met Paul when I was a technician and part-time PhD student in Richard Warwick’s Benthic Group in early ‘90s. Those times were different from today. Well, at least I seem to recall more freedom to explore half-baked research ideas, head off into the field at a moment’s notice, and have some fun along the way that would probably see one get sacked these days. Paul was so up for that way of living and working. I have very fond memories of laugh-filled field excursions with Paul, with visits for big breakfasts and end-of-work pub hours built into the work plan. And in the laboratory, Paul would come saunter over from his office for a chat when he felt like worklife would be better for a quick chinwag, or to persuade you to accompany him for a quick session of fag-smoking philosophy by the back door.

In those days I also spent time with Paul as he, and Steve Widdecombe, trained myself and my partner to SCUBA dive. This often entailed early (for Paul) meets to sort out the boat and head out into the cold waters of the Sound or South Devon or Cornwall coast. Paul was a very conscientious diving trainer, his usually playful mood getting super serious for the serious tasks. This seriousness and focus he obviously also brought to his science. And his significant achievements in this field are well known.

I kept in touch with Paul, on and off, after I left PML to first go to New Zealand on a post-doc, then back to Plymouth to lecture at the university until 2000, after which when I returned to the Antipodes for good. I invited Paul, and Bob Clarke, to come out to New Zealand to teach a PRIMER course at my new institute, and it was great to see him again. He stayed with us and we caught up on his changed life…now a father. Poor Paul got attacked by bed bugs on this trip when he stayed at a hotel just one night in Auckland on the way to Wellington. But despite this initial set back, he once again displayed his love of life, and demonstrated his ample teaching abilities on the course. His contributions to PRIMER courses, and the development and use of the routines within this software, are a impressive legacy.

I last saw Paul in 2018 when were coincidently in the same city, Montreal in Canada. Paul was there for the World Marine Biodiversity Conference and I was there for a species distribution modelling workshop. We found out that were both in the same city, and part of the old band got back together again for a few nights out on the town. Together with Steve and Matt Frost we teamed up to be an accidental but formidable pub quiz team. Taking two prizes in one night, despite questions on ice hockey. Paul’s wide general knowledge certainly helped us take away the honours that night. The rest of that night and the other evenings… well they were fun in fun company. So my last memories of Paul are very fond. Plotting and laughing while the beer and the ideas flowed. That was Paul for me. I will miss him.

Deepest condolences to Paul's family, friends and colleagues at this sad time. He always had a smile on his face, he was so sharp and smart and always happy to give advice. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Paul always elevated a chance meeting at coffee time into an enjoyable encounter, whether to share a joke or to inspire me to consider new avenues for research. He was a valued colleague who made good things happen, in a modest and generous way, and I think that is one of the reasons he will be so missed. I appreciated his guidance on statistical problems - as did many others, and his ideas on biodiversity research from the position of knowing so much while being able to see the bigger picture. Never afraid to speak his mind, always with a wry smile and witty comment. Sending love and condolences to his family.

Happy memories of Paul

I have a lot of very fond and happy memories of Paul and his very unique characteristics, we went back a long way. Others have mentioned his encyclopedic knowledge, which was phenomenal. Paul was burdened by being in an office near mine at PML so he was always my go-to person for help with obscure topics whether it be for key references, or identifying people with relevant expertise, let alone statistical analysis and philosophical musings backed up with his huge memory bank of evidence and insight. He was truly amazing! He provided support for me in so many ways that I didn’t really think about or properly appreciate at the time. Particularly in untangling my muddled thoughts about all sorts of things, or just going for a coffee or lunch to talk about life, stuff or simply chill with.

Perhaps that is the thing I most recall with pleasure about Paul – he was just great company, especially when travelling. And throughout our careers we travelled a lot together – in China, USA, Brazil, Thailand and of course throughout Europe in the halcyon days of EU projects such as MarBEF, COST-IMPACT and VECTORS. And looking back, I now realise that Paul was always my go-to companion on these trips - mostly for meals – he was definitely a night owl and as such had better drinking companions than me! In each different country or place, sometimes under stressful circumstances, Paul was always a cheerful presence (even sometimes at breakfast), we almost always seemed to be able to relax and chill together. It was one of many things about Paul that made him a very special person. Although I didn’t have much contact with Paul over the last three years I just always thought we would resume that easy going friendship – just as soon as we both found the time again. I deeply regret this lost time, I deeply regret that Paul has passed on far too soon for someone who gave so much to me and to others, and who had so much to give and share with us all. But I am also truly grateful to have had the times we did have together, that Paul was such an interesting, thoughtful, knowledgeable and great companion. Paul was, for sure, one of a kind who I will always remember with huge affection.

I feel privileged to have worked with Paul; and to have esteemed him as both a friend and colleague. Paul will be very sadly missed, but will be remembered in very high regard by his many friends and colleagues in PML, and the many participants in PRIMER Workshops that he organised over the past 20 or so years. I probably learned more about statistics from Paul than at any earlier stage of my long career. Consequently, I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for imparting some of his prodigious knowledge about multivariate statistics to me in this regard; and also to helping me in applying the PRIMER methodology to environmental biomarkers. We co-authored several papers, and two more are currently pending: these will be dedicated to Paul’s Memory when published.

To Anabel,

I met your Father Paul when I joined PML in 2011, and worked closely with Paul for many years. We worked together on European projects such as VECTORS and DEVOTES, and UK based ones such as MERP, to name a few. As a young ecologist, I was quickly struck by how knowlegeable Paul was about just any subject in our joint research. Whenever a new (to me) subject/research question would come up, Paul would always mention some paper he had already read that was in his extensive office library, and no doubt, the following day, I would have a copy of said paper on my desk. Paul really was one of the best read ecologists I ever met. I think this broad knowledge arose from his never ending curiosity, the fearlessness, the creativity, the collaborative spirit with which he approached research. This had an invaluable influence in shaping how I then came to see science myself, and I am forever grateful for, and will remember fondly, the years we worked together.

But above his expertise, I admired in Paul the way in which, despite his extremely successful career, Paul never seemed to take himself or anyone too seriously; how we was never fussed by big egos that are so common in our profession; how he infused any and every situation with his witty humour. What I most admired in Paul was his humanity, his sensitivity, the way I believe he saw each of us as people, with fears and aspirations, and always made time to support all of us around him.

I am forever indebted to your father Paul for the positive influence he had in my career and in shaping my own view of the world. I will miss my friend dearly.

I am sure you know, but we knew too, how very proud he was of you.

Your friend,
Ana

During my time at PML I remember Paul as a man of quick and quiet humour who took time out to help me with the presentation of statistics. Thanks Paul, see you again over the horizon.

This brings extreme sadness! A wonderful scientist and person, always ready to answer any queries and provide detailed explanations, making complex matters simpler. Paul will be sorely missed by many.

I will always remember my early career development with Paul as a pioneer of multivariate stats - you made it so easy with PRIMER and helped to found my understanding of benthic ecosystems - your knowledge, skill, kind nature and unassuming but steadfast commitment to the pursuit of marine ecological data exploration will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace.

Such sad news, deepest condolences to his family and everyone at PML.

That's incredibly sad news. Paul was a lovely, engaging and supportive colleague. Always brought a smile to a discussion and ensured everyone felt included and involved. My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.

Terribly sad news. Paul was so much generous and kind. He helped me so many times adding on top a smile and a funny joke. My deepest condolences to Paul's family.

I'm so sad Paul was so generous with his time and my 'go to' help for all things Primer and stats related.

Very sad news. Had some very insightful chats with Paul during my time at PML. A big loss to the marine sciences community.

Absolutely devastated to hear this news. I have worked with Paul for many years and considered him a good friend as well as very well respected colleague. He’s taught me so much and been a huge inspiration throughout my career. Sending my deepest sympathies to all at PML and of course his family. He will be sorely missed.

So very sad to hear this news. I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment expressed In Memoriam (last para); a great part of his legacy was the generosity and patience he showed to those (including me) he helped in our careers. He set us all a wonderful example of how to work with and treat others you connect with through work. Thank you, Paul. Condolences to his family.

Thinking of Paul, his family and his friends at this difficult time. I didn't work with Paul, but he always gave me a friendly & welcoming smile whenever he passed me at PML or around Stonehouse.

I will miss Paul's friendly greetings in the coffee room. He always had a welcome smile and cheery quip. He will leave a legacy as an excellent scientist who made his footprint in the advancement of marine ecology, as a mentor who helped many others in the development of their careers, and as a superior multivariate statistician. He will be sorely missed.

You can’t work in the Plymouth marine sector and not come across Paul Somerfield. Generous, passionate and always full of knowledge, ideas and grounded common sense. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues.

This is really sad news, and represents a great loss to marine science. Without Paul I’m not sure I would have ever developed such a passion for marine monitoring design and data analysis, he was a great teacher and researcher who will be missed.

Awful news. A sad day for marine science. My abiding memory of Paul was when I first arrived at PML and he, with his seemingly ever present smile and wisecracks, made the effort to make me feel welcome and part of the family at PML. Judging by other people's comments I am far from alone. A lovely man.

Such sad news. I worked with Paul on and off the whole 30+ years I’ve been at Plymouth and this was always a joy. He had such a keen mind and never had a bad word for anyone (except in jest). He’ll be sorely missed.

Heart breaking to have heard this. Paul was a fantastic and innovative ecologist, I loved collaborating with him DREAMS and the direction it was going. My deepest sympathy to his family and the science community his was engaged with.

Very sad news to hear. My condolences to Paul’s family. I was very fortunate to work with Paul some years back – a fountain of knowledge, with an enthusiasm for marine science that was simply infectious!

It was always nice to have a chat with Paul. Paul kindly accepted to help me during my promotion process and provided positive comments and very constructive feedback during my mock interview. I am very thankful for his help.

Such sad news. Paul will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues and ex-colleagues.

Devastating news So sad and too soon My sincerest sympathies to his family.

Rest in peace Paul. Thanks so much for your kind support. You will be very much missed.

I first met Paul during my Masters research project back in 2001 and have worked with him since 2002 (when I became a ‘proper’ scientist). I always had fun working and socializing with him on many projects across the years. Even if he was part of the ‘soft bottom’ brigade!

Paul was such a nice person to work with. Always smiling, sharing a little anecdote about his life, Annabel, Tina or camper vans. We sometimes had a brief exchange about Ireland and travelling. After working with Paul on the Marine Ecosystems Research Project we had less work overlap but he did help freely when I needed advice. I had hoped to work more closely together over the course of this year since we had many overlapping interests which were all bubbling up over the last 18 months in particular. Having spent more time with him in several meetings, I was really devastated to hear of his illness and then his death. I will miss Paul, and his eclectic selection of T-shirts! I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family and close friends.

Paul, hard to believe you have left PML, let alone passed on. A lot of water has sloshed past us since we both started our PML careers back in 1991. Decades. As we got older, balder and slightly chubbier, your good humour, quiet encouragement and gentle demeanor never changed. Always with a smile on your face. Devastating news. You'll be desperately missed my friend. Phil

I would like to present my condolences for Paul's family and friends. I met Paul during the Marbef NoE and we had many meeting for many years. He was a fantastic colleague - not only very knowledgeable but also so funny and very nice to be with. Although I didn't see him for some time now I was really saddened by the news of his departure because he was for sure a dear friend.

Paul's scientific competence and capacities are beyond doubt. But more than that I'll always remember him for his kindness, positivity and generosity in sharing his views and knowledge. You'll be missed!

Dear colleagues,

This is devastating news for all of us here but also for the entire marine biodiversity and ecology community. Paul has been one of its most active members, always curious to explore new avenues of collections of data, of their analysis and interpretation. He's been lucky to collaborate with a huge number of our community members and to help and inspire the younger ones for which I have always admired him. He had such a giving, generous soul.

I have been privileged to work with Paul for years and enjoy his friendship and kindness. Not only we enjoyed the hard work but also the drinking sessions after, especially during the project meetings and workshops. This is were you learn a lot about your friends and I came to know a lot about his life. This makes me feel lucky. I feel the gap he leaves behind is huge, irreplaceable.

He will live through his great work he left us with to continue, through his family and through the great memories all of us have.

Tina, Annabel, my thoughts are with you!
Christos

I am so sad to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a friend and collaborator for almost 20 years. I met him first at a workshop in Oslo in, I think, 2005 - among my first forays into marine biodiversity science. Arriving late evening to the hotel, I remember being impressed by his leather jacket, his humour, and his intellectual generosity. In fact, ‘generosity’ is a word that keeps coming to mind when I think of Paul. He was incredibly generous with his ideas and his time, and looking back now I realise quite what an influence he's had on my own career - involving me in various collaborations and communities, always welcoming me on my trips to Plymouth, full of encouragement as I felt my way into a new field. He was generous, too, in mentoring the students and early career researchers that we co-supervised, and I know they feel his loss too. Paul was impressive in formal settings - I remember the MERP meeting at the Royal Society particularly fondly - but was at his best in more relaxed surroundings. He was committed to scientific excellence, but showed this commitment gently and with kindness and consideration at all times. I had not been in touch with him much over the past 3 years or so - as travel stopped during lockdowns and was slow to pick up again afterwards - but I always thought I’d just have a proper catch up over a pint next time I saw him. I’m devastated that will no longer happen. I’ll miss him terribly, and pass on my sincere sympathies to Tina, Annabel, and everyone else who knew and loved him.

Paul gave me my first start in marine science as a meiofaunal analyst at PML. Despite the fact I was fresh from my undergrad degree, he provided me with many opportunities to grow as a scientist that I will always be grateful for. I was awed by his scientific abilities then, and still am today. Not only was Paul brilliant, he was also dependable, honorable and kind with a fantastic dry sense of humour. Many of my fondest memories of working at PML come from our Friday team lunches together and the many hours chatting on field work. Paul, I will raise a pint of Guinness in honour of you. Rest in peace. X

So very sorry to read this. What a sad loss to Marine science, and to his colleagues and friends, and, of course, his family, to whom sincere condolences.

Deepest condolences to his family. Such a great loss.I just cannot believe this.

This is so sad. Sending condolences to his family and all his friends at PML.

I am so sorry to hear that. Rest in peace.

Such sad news - sending much love to his family and all @PlymouthMarine for their loss

Very sad to read this news. What a huge loss to everyone who knew him. His knowledge and contributions to marine science will be his legacy.

I am so sorry, what a lost. I meet him almost 15 years ago during a PRIMER course. He was kind and really help me in my early ecological analysis. Thank you Paul!

Very saddened to hear the news. Paul will be greatly missed. He made a positive difference to science and the ocean.

Very sad to hear this news. What a great loss to PML, Plymouth and the global marine ecology community? I have very fond and fun memories of all interactions with Paul. He had a great way of looking at the world and making people laugh.

I will have a drink and raise it to you Paul. My condolences to your family and loved ones.

Very sad to hear of Paul’s passing. Always a nice person and good scientist.

Sincere condolences from everyone at SAMS. His loss will be felt across the marine science community.

This is terribly sad. I really can’t believe it when I so recently exchanged knowledge with him. He made a great contribution. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I never met Paul and got to appreciate his personality and humor, but as someone who worked on benthos and multivariate analyses early in my career, I followed his substantial scientific contributions. It’s sad that he’s gone so early.

This is so sad. Paul used to come and stay in my house in Portaferry while diving with Trinity Sub-Aqua Club. He was my go to person for queries and help with my MPhil dissertation. Paul and I are in a special club having both been rescued by the RNLI recorded by a tv crew.

That's terrible news. I really enjoyed working with Paul, and he was great fun to hang out with.

We have lost our dear friend & giant of the #marinebiology community, Prof Paul Somerfield. Much loved by so many whose lives and careers he touched. A fantastic mentor & friend to me. A free thinker, incredibly witty, with encyclopaedic knowledge of the ocean. We will miss you. 🌊

I published my first paper ever with Paul, which was part of my PhD and Gareth Johnson's master's project. Paul taught Gareth how to identify the smallest beasties that went straight through the sieves I was using. He loved those little guys :)

Devastating news. Paul was kind, very funny and extremely clever, as well as a pioneer in quantitative marine ecology. Will be deeply missed.

Such sad news, Paul was a statistics guru and didn’t shy away from any problem you could feasibly apply stats to. Even as a hard core marine ecologist he turn his hand to deciphering ecology through DNA. Above all, he was a thoroughly decent and funny guy.

Sad news indeed. Paul was always bubbling with ideas. He will be missed.

Paul was one of the first friendly faces I got to know at PML. He was kind, uplifting, full of fascinating stories and endless support. I’ll treasure our last conversations putting the world to rights and sharing in the excitement of science. Thank you for everything, Paul.

I worked closely with Paul over the past few years joining forces on two Insight projects. He became a great friend, was immense craic, and as insightful as they come. You will be missed by one and all. Sleep peacefully.

Very sad news, the loss of a fantastic colleague. An amazing researcher, an inspirational teacher, a friend and collaborator for more than 25 years - farewell Paul!

Very sad news, the loss of a fantastic colleague. An amazing researcher, an inspirational teacher, a friend and collaborator for more than 25 years - farewell Paul!

I have known Paul since 2019. He was not only a great scientist BUT most importantly a great human being! I mostly used to bump into him along the corridors & he always made me laugh - thanks for being such a great person. U always gave a pat on the back when I needed d most.

We are saddened to hear of the loss of Professor Paul Somerfield. Paul was a good friend to the MBA for many years and served on MBA Council from April 2009 to September 2012.

So so sad. Taught me most of my statistics outside of the University. Excellent teacher and researcher.

This is such sad news, Paul was a great person and scientist and will be greatly missed.

Such sad news. Paul will be terribly missed.

I am so sorry to hear this news. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him over the past few years, although we sadly never got to meet in person. His scientific record speaks for itself, but he was also just a lovely chap. Sincere condolences to all of his family and friends.

We are saddened by the loss of Paul J. Somerfield, a brilliant mind in marine biodiversity and ecology. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues at PML during this difficult time.

This is very sad news. Paul was a leader of quantitative marine ecology and great fun too. RIP Paul.

I've had the privilege to collaborate with, be challenged by and share a conference podium with Paul. Such wisdom, analytical power and kindness wrapped into one human being, and a very big loss for marine ecology. Condolences to PML colleagues and Paul's family.

As a supervisor Paul was always helpful, approachable and most importantly kind. In a short time he made a real impact on my PhD and his spark for marine research was something unique. Really really gutted.

Paul was a talented scientist who devoted his life to understanding and conserving our global ocean. It was an honour to work with him through Shark Hub UK - he was continually supportive, open-minded & dedicated to improving our understanding of UK sharks. We will miss him.

Very sad and a huge loss to the marine science community.

Paul was a giant of many worlds, including Primer-e, marine ecology, and statistics, with a generous nature and wicked sense of humour. We'll miss you buddy. Rest in peace.

That is so sad what an excellent teacher.

Rest in peace, Paul. He was such fun to learn from and have a beer with.

Very unfortunate loss for Marine Ecology. He pioneered with Bob Clarke in the development of many of the non-parametric multivariate analysis techniques used today. R.I.P. Paul.

Shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Paul Somerfield, a friend and collaborator for almost 20 years. Thoughts are with his family, and his colleagues

Really saddened by the news of Paul's passing! Paul was the external examiner for my PhD Viva and brought incredible insights. Such a fantastic scientist! His legacy in multivariate techniques for community ecology will continue to inspire others in years to come.