The family of a marine scientist swept from a remote island off the coast of Tasmania will establish a conservation fund in his memory.
Hamish Saunders, 26, was yesterday remembered by his Hamilton family as an explorer with an adventurous spirit and a passion for marine conservation.
Mr Saunderswas working as a research volunteer, helping with a survey of endangered species on Pedra Branca Island, 28km off the south coast of Tasmania, when he died. He was swept from rocks by a giant wave as his group scrambled to safety on Tuesday, their last day on the island.
The three other men in the research party said Mr Saunders was not aware of the massive wave behind him that pulled him into the sea. The stormy seas also killed at least 1000 juvenile and adult albatross on the island.
Tasmanian police have scaled down their search for Mr Saunders, although search co-ordinator Inspector Stuart Scott said an aircraft would scour the sea again today.
His mother, Judith Saunders, said the Hamish Saunders Memorial Trust Fund would be established to support marine conservation in New Zealand. Money would go towards promotion, research and conservation management activities.
"At the moment we want to move past the accident, to really celebrate what he was and what he stood for."
Mrs Saunders said Hamish had recently applied to the Natural History Film Making and Communication course at Otago University. He wanted to combine his science qualifications and conservation experience with his love of photography and writing.
His online diary has stories and photographs from his travels.
Mr Saunders had recently returned home from Britain. He was in Tasmania visiting his girlfriend, Abby.
Ross Butler, a university friend now living in the United States, said Mr Saunders loved remote places. He was a keen surfer and a qualified diver.
