Julian Stanley Kenny was born on January 27th 1930 in Woodbrook, Trinidad. He attended Belmont Intermediate School and St. Mary’s College. He completed Grade 13 in Canada and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto in 1951.

He developed an interest in fisheries research during his post-graduate years in Toronto. He returned to Trinidad to work as a Scientific Officer at the forerunner of the local Fisheries Division. He introduced new systems and protocols in fisheries management including a statistics system to evaluate the types of fish caught by age, and the marking of boats with special codes for identification of authorised fishing vessels. He also helped to establish the flying fish industry in Tobago.

In 1963, he gained his doctorate from Birkbeck College, University of London and joined the Department of Biological Sciences at UWI. His research students advanced knowledge of the Tamana Cave ecosystem, the Caroni Swamp and the Aripo Savannas. His own research documented the distribution of freshwater fish species in Trinidad and Tobago.

On account of his reputation as an erudite scientist and outspoken naturalist, Professor Kenny was called to serve on many national bodies and committees. He was an Advisor to the Inter-ministerial Committee on the Law of the Sea Convention, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Marine Affairs, the Board of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), and Board of Trustees of the Guardian Life Wildlife Trust, which supports environmental education and protection. He was also a member of the Cabinet-appointed Committee that drafted the National Parks legislation, among other things and served a five-year term as an Independent Senator in the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago.

An avid underwater diver and nature photographer, Professor Kenny developed a prolific photographic collection of wildlife, including native orchids and landscapes, and has written several books featuring his photographic works. They include A View from the Ridge – Exploring the Natural History of Trinidad and Tobago and The Native Orchids of the Eastern Caribbean. He recently donated his vast collection of works to the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS).

On August 9th 2011, the environmentalist, scientist, lecturer, photographer, and author Professor Julian Kenny passed away at the age of 81 years.

This online profile was updated in September 2011, after this icon’s passing.