Richard Haven Backus was a renowned biological oceanographer who spent his entire career at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). He was born in Rochester, NY, in 1922 and grew up in West Webster, NY, where he developed a love for nature and the outdoors. He graduated from The Harley School and went on to study at Dartmouth College, where he became involved in the Outing Club and served as a B-24 navigator during World War II. Backus pursued further education at Cornell University, earning an M.S. in Vertebrate Zoology and a Ph.D. in Ichthyology. His doctoral research took him to the coasts of Labrador and Newfoundland, where he sailed on the schooner Blue Dolphin and developed a deep passion for the ocean. In 1952, Backus joined WHOI and dedicated his career to the institution. He conducted research on underwater sound and the "deep scattering layers" of marine organisms. He made significant contributions to the field of biological oceanography, serving as Chair of the Biology department and becoming a Senior Scientist. Aside from his work at WHOI, Backus was a Research Associate at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University. He co-authored the book "The Natural History of Sharks" and gained recognition as an expert on the subject. After retiring from WHOI in 1988, Backus pursued his botanical interests and contributed to plant research. He was involved in various community organizations and enjoyed singing in a local chorus. He was an avid gardener and shared his love for reading, cooking, and the outdoors with his children.

Scope and Content Note

October 21, 2003: Backus discusses various topics related to his experiences and observations in the field of oceanographic research, including potential career paths for high-school students, and emphasizes the importance of finding value and enjoyment in one's work. Backus reflects on his time in the Alvin submersible, expressing his lack of apprehension due to his confidence in the engineers and operators. He mentions an accident that caused the loss of the submersible shortly after he had used it. The conversation also touches upon the evolution of technology and the development of a new generation Alvin that could explore a significant portion of the ocean floor. They discuss the transformation of Alvin into a national facility, allowing scientists from various institutions to utilize its capabilities and contribute to a wide range of scientific problems. The conversation highlights the growth of the Institution, facilitated by the establishment of UNOLS (University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System) and the sharing of resources among different research organizations. Backus acknowledges the positive impact of these changes on the field. Backus explains the resistance to women going to sea in the past, attributing it to a desire among men to escape female influence and enjoy freedom while at sea. However, he recognizes the impracticality and injustice of excluding women and acknowledges the importance of their contributions to scientific endeavors. He mentions a specific incident involving Roberta Eike, a college student who was initially denied permission to go to sea but stowed away on a research vessel, highlighting the obstacles women faced and the eventual progress made in overcoming such biases.

October 29, 2023: In this session, Dr. Backus focuses on his experiences and methodologies in oceanographic research. He discusses his early days at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, his work with the Hersey group, and their use of explosives as sound sources for seismic studies. Backus explains how they analyzed the scattered sound using spectrum analyzers and discovered the presence of gas-filled swim bladders of small fishes, providing insights into the deep scattering layers. Backus shares that explosives were a common tool in oceanography at the time, and he recounts his experience of being checked out as an explosives handler for his work. He mentions the enjoyable nature of working with explosives and how they trained additional individuals to assist with the explosives work during a cruise. The interview also delves into Backus's role as a chief scientist and his experiences at sea. He expresses his enjoyment of being at sea but mentions the challenges of rough weather. Backus discusses his development as a scientist and the transition from smaller to larger vessels. He emphasizes the importance of communication as a chief scientist, implementing systems to keep everyone informed and maintain efficiency. Collaboration with other projects and the role of the organization in avoiding wasted time at sea are also highlighted. Backus speaks highly of his relationship with Captain Emerson Hiller and stresses the responsibility of using the ship efficiently while prioritizing safety. He recognizes the importance of cooperation, being well-liked and respected by the crew, and appreciating the adventure of oceanographic research. Backus also acknowledges the contributions of skilled technicians and mechanics at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, emphasizing that intelligence and competence are not limited to those with advanced degrees.

November 12, 2003: In this session, Richard Backus focuses on his experiences during a 50-day cruise aimed at studying the distribution patterns of lantern fishes in the Atlantic Ocean. Backus discusses the challenges of studying midwater fishes and the importance of strategic and repeated sampling. He also mentions the development of equipment to track the location of nets during trawls and the planning involved in organizing a research cruise. The interview highlights the collaborative nature of cruises, with Backus mentioning individuals he encountered, such as John Teal, Jerry Mall, and Pedro da Franca. Backus also discusses the practical applications of his research, particularly in relation to military operations and submarine detection. Backus acknowledges the frustrations of studying the deep ocean, including variations in the amount of life and the limitations of their small net and collections. He explains their focus on the family of fishes called Myctophidae and the sorting and identification of lantern fish species to gather data on their distribution in the Atlantic pelagic zone.

November 24, 2003: In this session, Richard Backus discusses various topics related to technology, practices, and societal changes in oceanography. He describes life aboard the support vessel Lulu, the cramped and uncomfortable living conditions but emphasizing the excitement of diving in the submersible. He discusses the evolution of technology, including the development of a new generation Alvin capable of covering a larger portion of the ocean floor. Backus acknowledges the benefits of making Alvin a national facility and the positive impact it has had on the field of oceanography. The growth of the Institution and the introduction of UNOLS are also mentioned, with Backus recognizing the importance of collaboration and resource utilization across different institutions. The inclusion of women in oceanography is another topic of discussion. Backus explains the initial resistance to women going to sea and the reasons behind it. However, over time, women were able to overcome these obstacles and contribute to the field. Backus concludes that the Institution has been forward-thinking and has played a role in important national and international programs.