John Patrick Tully

Tully, John Patrick

John Patrick Tully, oceanographer (b at Brandon, Man 29 Nov 1906; d at Nanaimo, BC 19 May 1987). As oceanographer in charge of the Pacific Oceanographic Group, Nanaimo, BC (1946-65), Tully influenced the entire growth of West Coast oceanographic research, including studies in physical, chemical and biological oceanography. He is best known for his research in descriptive oceanography and in his practical application of oceanography to contemporary military and industrial problems. His published works on estuarine mechanisms and physicochemical processes in the oceans earned him particular distinction. He was an MBE, received the Commemorative Medal of Albert I of Monaco and other medals (eg, Order of Merit, 1985), and in 1964 was made a fellow of the RSC. The Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society now awards a J.P. Tully medal annually, and in 1985 the Canadian Dept of Fisheries and Oceans named a new scientific ship for him.