It is with greatest sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Michio Aoyama on September 5, 2022. Dr Aoyama contributed extensively to a variety of activities across marine biogeochemistry. One of his major contributions concentrated on harmonization of global oceanic nutrients observations and data. His leadership in a joint ICES-IOC Study Group on Nutrients Standards (SGONS), followed by co-chairmanship of the SCOR Working Group 147, "Towards comparability of global oceanic nutrient data (COMPONUT)", followed by his leadership at IOCCP SSG focused on Nutrients EOV, allowed for achieving global consensus on obtaining comparable and accurate nutrients data. His inexhaustible energy in organizing large international workshops, several global inter-comparison exercises and eventually successful lobbying for development, production, distribution and use of nutrients Reference Materials, changed our ability to understand the geochemistry of deep oceanic waters in relation to carbon and dissolved nutrients.

On a personal level, we all enjoyed his friendly enthusiasm and genuine curiosity. We are all in shock with this sudden, unexpected loss.

Regards,

IOCCP SSG