Written by current and former members of ICES Working Group on Pathology and Diseases of Aquatic Organisms.
On 4 December 4 2025, we received the news that our good colleague and member of ICES Working Group on Pathology and Diseases of Aquatic Organisms (WGPDMO), Deborah Cheslett, had lost her battle with cancer.
Deborah will be deeply missed by all her colleagues, especially those who have known her for many years, since she started working within the field of aquaculture, and more specifically, mollusc diseases.
Deborah has been a member of WGPDMO since 2008. Besides the group's annual meetings, we met Deborah at conferences and project meetings, and have known her as a well-grounded researcher, a valuable representative of the Marine Institute in Ireland, a good colleague and a great friend. Deborah was always ready to hear about your latest achievements (and problems), both work-related and more private matters. Her good humour and spirit made it a joy to be in her company. Never a dull moment together with Debs.
We will miss her valuable input in discussions at meetings – and we will miss her laughter and good spirit. We have lost a good colleague as well as a very good friend.
