Zale Parry

Zale Parry (born August 26, 1924) is an American pioneer in the field of scuba diving, a renowned underwater cinematographer, and a dedicated advocate for marine conservation. She is best known for her contributions to diving technology, safety, and education.

Early Life and Education

Parry was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She moved to Los Angeles, California at a young age where she developed a deep interest in the ocean and marine life. She pursued her undergraduate studies in Physics and Biology at Los Angeles City College and later earned a master's degree in Environmental Science from UCLA.

Career

In 1953, Parry co-founded the Scientific Underwater Research Enterprises (SURE), which aimed to develop and improve underwater diving equipment. She played a crucial role in the testing and promotion of the first commercially successful scuba set, the Aqua-Lung, developed by Jacques Cousteau and Émile Gagnan.

Parry also made significant contributions to underwater cinematography. She served as a consultant for numerous television shows and films, including the popular 1960s series Sea Hunt. Her work in this field earned her the NOGI Award for Arts from the Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences.

In addition to her technical contributions, Parry has been a strong advocate for marine conservation. She has worked with various organizations to promote the protection of marine ecosystems and has been recognized for her efforts with several awards, including the LAUPS Paul J. Tzimoulis Award for Conservation.

Legacy

Parry's contributions to the field of scuba diving have had a lasting impact. Her work in the development and promotion of diving technology has made the sport safer and more accessible. Her efforts in marine conservation have also helped to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans.

See Also

• Scuba diving
• Underwater cinematography
• Marine conservation