Clyde “was still doing research on the offshore fisheries for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries (NMF) until the time of his passing. His dedication to federal service and devotion to the stewardship of our nation’s oceans will long be remembered.

“Clyde and his family moved to NJ in 1973 where he was employed as a fishery research biologist for NOAA at the J.J. Howard Laboratory, Sandy Hook. His passion for working at NOAA came from growing up in a commercial fishing community in the 1930s and 1940s on Martha’s Vineyard. Throughout his career, he contributed immensely to the industry through his diligent research and saw tremendous value in combining field work and laboratory work.

“He was a careful researcher and a modest practical writer. He was the author of over 60 publications and books, including: The History of Bay Scalloping, Fisheries of Raritan Bay (1992), as well as Martha’s Vineyard-Nine Local Histories of Island Life (2017). 

“Clyde attained his level of success through hard work, determination, and using the contributions of a great many local people interested in the same goals. His goal had always been to bring about actual improvements in fisheries and local waters through working with other scientists as well as active and retired fishermen. He felt consistently proud about supporting NOAA because their goals are very noble.

“Clyde will be remembered as a brilliant, dedicated biologist, and as a kind and devoted father and grandfather. He also enjoyed photography, nature, traveling and rooting for the Boston Red Sox. He will be greatly missed.”

Loved ones of Clyde MacKenzie Jr. in his obituary