Knowles Kerry

Knowles Ronald Kerry is an Australian biochemist and marine biologist known for his work in Antarctica, considered the 'father' of the Marine Biology program of the Australian Antarctic Division. He held positions including Principal Research Scientist and expedition leader with the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) including seven total years in Antarctica and sub-Antarctic regions.

Career Knowles Kerry began his career as a biochemist in the Gastroenterological Research Unit of the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. He later spent winter for the first time on Macquarie Island researching seal milk and albatross birds, after undertaking earlier research on animals in the Southern Ocean. This work was some of the first official scientific work other than physics by the Australian Government in Antarctica.

Later in his career he was instrumental in negotiating the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to improve the management of fisheries in Antarctic waters. Kerry served as a member of the Australian delegation and scientific delegate. This research culminated in its publication in 1990. The program continued with new technology including satellite tracking and depth recording. He continued further work on Adélie penguins and their behaviour, feeding habits and health for many decades.

Kerry was involved in several international programs of cooperation between Australia and other countries' Antarctic programs. In 1980 he was part of hosting the first research scientists from China to visit Antarctica at Casey Station.

Kerry Island, on the coast of mainland Antarctica, was named in his honour on 29 April 2009.