Edward Frank Klima

Klima, Edward Frank, 91, of Vero Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2026. Born July 30, 1934, in Catskill, N.Y., he lived a full and adventurous life devoted to science, family, sports and the outdoors.

Ed graduated from the University of Miami with a BS and MS in Biology.

While at Miami, he played basketball for the Hurricanes (go Canes) as a forward. He later received his Ph.D. from the University of Utah.

He began his career in the early 60s in Panama City, Panama, with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission as a fishery biologist. In 1962, he joined the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries as a shrimp biologist, working in Panama City, Fla., and Pascagoula, Miss. From 1973 through 1976, Ed held numerous positions as a senior administrative Marine Biologist. He later spent four years in Washington, D.C., (Fisheries and USAID) where he helped spearhead legislation establishing the 200-mile limit, later known as the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. In 1977, he returned to serve as Director of the Galveston Laboratory (NOAA), a position he held until his retirement in 1993.

Throughout his career, Ed was widely respected for his scientific research, particularly his work on shrimp fisheries and the preservation of endangered sea turtles, specifically head-starting the Kemps-Ridley species. Ed published more than sixty scientific journals. In collaboration with fellow scientists and the U.S. Shrimp Association, he helped develop Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), significantly reducing sea turtle mortality while supporting sustainable fishing practices.

Ed traveled extensively for work and pleasure and loved cooking and enjoying adventurous cuisine. He was an avid basketball player, hunter and fisherman. He embraced challenges and problem-solving throughout his life, including in retirement, where he enjoyed investing in the stock market and trading options.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Rox-Klima; his daughter, Dawn Zieren, and her husband, Ken Zieren; his son, Lance Klima; grandchildren Brett Zieren (Debbie), Blake Zieren (Natalie), Bryan Zieren (Bailey), Jack Klima, and Lily Klima; great-granddaughter Harper Zieren; stepdaughter Darcy Price (Rick) and their children (Sonny, Kaylee, Jamie); Shannon Vidaurreta (Henry) and their children (Monica, Carlos); Sarah Williams (Casey) and their children (Carter, Jackson); and Andrew Lujan (Heather) and their son (Theodore).

Ed will be remembered for his intellect, curiosity, dedication to science, and lasting contributions to marine conservation and fisheries management. He embraced life fully, always seeking new experiences and adventure. He will be dearly missed. We rest assured that Ed is in the arms of his loving Savior and Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A private celebration of life to follow.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.