The Western Society of Naturalists is a scientific organization with a strong focus on promoting the study of marine biology. Most of its members are on the Pacific coast of North America. Originally established in 1910 as the Biological Society of the Pacific, it changed its name in 1916.
Naturalist of the Year Award
The Naturalist of the Year Award was established in 1999 at the suggestion of Paul Dayton to "recognize those unsung heroes who define our future by inspiring young people with the wonders and sheer joy of natural history".
1999 Larry Harris (University of New Hampshire)
2000 Chuck Baxter (Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University)
2001 Pamela Roe (California State University, Stanislaus)
2002 John M. Engle (University of California, Santa Barbara)
2003 Jeanne Bellemin (El Camino College)
2004 Kathy Ann Miller (University of California, Berkeley)
2005 James M. Watanabe (Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University)
2006 Brian Bingham (Western Washington University)
2007 (shared) Genevieve Anderson (Santa Barbara City College) & Shane Anderson (University of California, Santa Barbara)
2008 Terrie Klinger (University of Washington)
2009 Jenn Caselle (University of California, Santa Barbara)
2010 Shara Fisler (Ocean Discovery Institute)
2011 Megan Dethier (Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington)