UACE 2019
Pierre Cauchy
University of East Anglia

I am in the third year of my PhD at the University of East Anglia and Cefas. I work on new ways of monitoring the ocean from ocean gliders, using recordings of the underwater ambient noise, with applications to physical oceanography, ecology, conservation and monitoring of anthropic activities. I can hear the wind blowing at the surface on a stormy day, I can observe sperm whales hunting in the deep ocean, I can listen to the curious serenade of the fish in the night-time...
I had the great surprise to be invited to present my work at the 5th International conference and exhibition on underwater acoustics, a.k.a UACE 2019, in Hersonissos, Crete, from 30th June to 5th July. UACE is one of the most focused conferences on underwater acoustics, gathering experts from all the world every other year, on a lovely Greek island. The conference venue was within walking distance from the beach, allowing for daily post conference swim at sunset after a long day in dark conference rooms.
I was impressed to see the increasing number of talks about acoustic monitoring of the environment, spread on three sessions, held in the main room, and hosting passionate and inspiring discussions.
My presence here has been the opportunity to receive feedback and advice on my research, to meet researchers working on similar topics and discuss future projects and collaboration. I was even asked for advice, which is a fantastic self-esteem boost!
I would like to thank the Challenger Society and the UEA Postgrad Students Union for funding my attendance to this event.
Latest News
Potential Availability of NERC Ship Time During the 25/26 Programme Year
The NERC Marine Facilities Programme for 2025/2026 for the RRS Discovery and the RRS James Cook has been published on the Marine Facilities Planning website.
The RRS Discovery programme currently contains a 79 day alongside slot between the 2nd of November 2025 and the 19th of January 2026, which is available for science delivery if funded science projects can make use of this time. Due to the location of the vessel, the ship is most likely to be able to deliver fieldwork in the North and East Atlantic regions. Some support for science capability within the National Marine Equipment Pool is potentially available, although there is no capacity for use of autonomous vehicles or remotely operated vehicles. Any fieldwork within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) will need the appropriate diplomatic clearance submitted to coastal states at least 6 months in advance, and to NMF with sufficient lead time for processing via the FCDO.
If interested in making use of this ship time, please contact NERC Marine Planning (marineplanning@nerc.ukri.org) ASAP to start discussions.
THE MARINE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD – CAN YOU HELP?
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NOC Association AGM 2025
NOC Association (NOCA) AGM 2025
The 14th AGM of the NOC Association will be held on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May 2025. This free, on-line event will take place on Zoom, across two consecutive mornings, each starting at 10:00 and ending at 12:30. Although discussion topics are being finalised, we will focus on national capability (NC) science, ships, and autonomous vehicles, and how the community can engage. There will be an update on AtlantiS and on the new marine science scoping group. All are warmly welcome to join. To participate, please complete your registration here. For enquiries: Jackie Pearson, Secretary to NOCA: jfpea@noc.ac.uk