Ocean observing systems under the conference spotlight at Oceanology International 2014
Ocean observing systems lie at the very heart of Oceanology International, the world’s largest exhibition for marine science and technology taking place Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 March 2014 at London’s ExCeL.
Not only does this key topic feature in the exhibition, but there is a day and a half-long conference ‘Ocean Observing Systems’ devoted to the topic too. It is chaired by Zdenka Willis, Director, NOAA Integrated Ocean Observation; Dr David Mills, Programme Director, Marine Observations, CEFAS and Justin Manley, Senior Director, Business Development, Teledyne Marine Systems and takes place on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 March.
“Ocean observing is one of the most dynamic subjects in oceanology today, ” says Justin Manley. “Bringing together the tools and techniques to systematically observe and understand the largest feature on our planet is challenging, but exciting. This conference will illuminate the intersection of new ideas in the field, long serving and ever improving technologies, and key mission requirements. The session itself is innovative, with panels, keynotes, and technical presentations. Those looking to buy, build, or benefit from ocean observing systems will be well served by this program.”
And Zdenka Willis adds: “The Ocean Observing session has an exciting line-up that includes keynote speakers from data giant IBM and the newest XPRIZE. A panel will talk about the importance of the marine sector from the perspectives of industry, government and professional societies. Talks span the exciting changes in ocean technologies and novel ways to use this data.”
The conference, like all the component parts of Oceanology International, is free to attend. The line-up on Day 1 includes a keynote address by Dr Harry Kolar of IBM on ‘Advanced Intelligent Cyberphysical Systems for Marine and Coastal Monitoring’ which will be followed by ‘The Results of Oceanology Investigations of the Arctic Expedition from August to September 2013’ Oleg Bukin, Maritime State University, Russia.
The panel discussion ‘Why is the Marine Space so Important to Operate in and How Can the Different Sectors Participate in and Advance Ocean Observing?’ will gather the opinions of experts from Sonardyne, IMarEST, EuroGOOS, CEFAS and Teledyne.
The afternoon session begins with a keynote address ‘The Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE: Catalyzing Innovation to Address Ocean Acidification’ by Dr Paul Bunje, XPRIZE. Then come:
- Determination of Total Alkalinity, pH and pCO2 in Seawater, Steffen Aßmann, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Keil
- SmartBay: Ireland’s Test and Demonstration Facility for Advanced Marine Technologies, Fiona Regan, Dublin City University
- Ocean Glider Technology: From Training to Operation, Carlos Barrera, Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands
- Long Endurance Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Dan Hook, Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASV)
- Microstructure Turbulence Measurements from Autonomous Platforms – Challenges and Opportunities, Jeremy Hancyk, Rockland ScientificThe second Ocean Observing Systems session
On Wednesday 12 March, Dr David Mills, Programme Director, Marine Observatories, CEFAS will lead the morning session, which starts with a keynote address by Kevin Hardy of Global Ocean Design on unmanned free vehicles, or ‘benthic landers’, and how they are one of the better ways to test as site for an OOS (ocean observing system) node. Following this presentation topics and speakers will include:
- Can We Improve Fisheries Stock Assessments by Using Dynamic Habitat Models Informed by the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)?, Josh Kohut, Rutgers University
- PubFlow: A Scientific Data Publication Framework for Marine Science, Peer Brauer, Kiel University
- One Ocean, Endless Lessons for Education and Outreach, Liesl Hotaling, University of South Florida
- Developing a Global Ocean Network of “Green” Telecommunication Cables Hosting Mini-Observatories, Nigel Bayliff and David Meldrum, Huawei Marine Networks
Also on the conference scene
Ocean science and technology lie at the very heart of OI 2014, with the conference programme picking up on each major technology strand featured in the exhibition. As well as the traditional areas – ocean observing systems, hydrography, geophysics, and site investigation; and unmanned underwater vehicles; there are two new conference programmes this year – underwater positioning and metrology; and underwater communications.
Oil & gas ‘Operating in Extreme Environments’; marine renewables, and maritime security also come under the conference spotlight. Topical panel discussions looking at areas which are creating a growing demand for marine science and technology – aquaculture, ballast water and subsea mining are an OI 2014 introduction.
Ocean observing systems in the exhibition
The exhibitor directory on the show’s website at www.oceanologyinternational.
Established in 1969, Oceanology International attracts those involved with all aspects of marine science and technology from all over the globe – total attendance was 7, 669 in 2012. The exhibition this year is the largest ever with the 520 exhibiting companies from over 35 countries taking an additional 10% more space than at the record-breaking 2012 event.
Visitors can also see an array of vessels dockside, including survey and windfarm support vessels and dockside demonstrations; and there is an expanding programme of associated events run by supporting organisations.
Further information on all aspects of Oceanology International, and free online registration, is at www.oceanologyinternational.
About Oceanology International
Oceanology International is the global forum where industry, academia and government share knowledge and connect with the marine technology and ocean science community, improving their strategies for measuring, exploiting, protecting and operating in the world’s oceans. Established in 1969, Oceanology International features the world’s largest exhibition for marine science and technology, multiple agenda-setting technical conferences, and a visiting vessels and waterside demonstration programme.
The Oceanology International portfolio includes
Oceanology International China 2013 (held 3-5 September 2013, INTEX Shanghai, China): this launch event was developed with the local government and industry associations and provided organisations with the opportunity to capitalise on China’s rapidly growing offshore energy and marine industries. The next Oceanology International China event will take place 3-5 September 2014 in Shanghai. For more details: www.oichina.com.cn/en
Oceanology International 2014 (11-13 March 2014, ExCeL London, UK): Over 550 international exhibitors and 8, 000 attendees are expected to take part in this global forum. Eight one-day conferences and three panel discussion on key industry topics will take place during the three days of the show, as well as waterside demonstrations. For more details:www.oceanologyinternational.
Spillex (11-13 March 2014, ExCeL London, UK): Spillex is a dedicated area inside the Oceanology International 2014 exhibition hall and features the latest technology and service solutions for assessing the potential of spill related impacts, mitigating against and, if necessary, responding to them. For more details: www.oceanologyinternational.
Catch the Next Wave conference (10 March 2014, London): at this international conference, now in its second year, global experts will speak about disruptive technologies and where they are emerging in the marine sector. The first Houston-based Catch the Next Wave conference will be held in Autumn 2014. For more details: www.ctnwconference.com
Oceansp@ce: Oceansp@ce is an online and free-of-charge resource which delivers hand-picked news from the world to the marine science and ocean technology community. For more details: www.oceanspacenews.com
