Hosted by Teledyne Valeport, a division of Teledyne Marine, MMF#71 brings together professionals from industry, research and academia for a one-day forum focused on advances in marine measurement science and technology-related topics. MMF is a great opportunity for delegates to share their own knowledge, gather information, and network with like-minded professionals.
This year’s program reflects a broad cross-section of activity spanning ocean observation, hydrography, environmental monitoring, and data-driven marine science.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Edward Steele, IT Fellow for Data Science at the Met Office, who will present “The (increasing) importance of marine measurements in an era of AI”. Dr. Steele is responsible for shaping and delivering the Met Office’s artificial intelligence and machine learning capability, with expertise in Environmental Intelligence and extensive experience across academia, industry and government. His work focuses on helping organizations “look around corners” and unlock emerging technological opportunities for weather and climate-related decision-making.
In his keynote, he will explore how advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are reshaping meteorological and oceanographic science, and how these developments are increasingly recognized as a critical enabler of world-class forecasting and services. He will examine the growing importance of marine measurements in improving predictive modeling and understanding in an AI-driven era, alongside the opportunities and challenges for accelerating progress across the sector. His work in the marine sector has supported offshore energy applications, helping to de-risk multi-million-pound projects, enhance safety of life at sea, and contribute to evolving sector-wide standards for the use of meteorological and oceanographic information.
Alongside the keynote, MMF #71 will feature technical presentations and case studies from across the sector.
Peter Holt, Marine Habitat Specialist, Sonardyne International Ltd, will present work on the application of high-resolution sonar technologies to support seagrass mapping and habitat restoration in Plymouth Sound Marine Protected Area. His presentation will highlight the use of a Wavefront Solstice Multi-Aperture Sonar (MAS) to provide spatially accurate, wide-area data on seagrass distribution, including mapping in shallow and complex nearshore environments.
He will also discuss the use of ROV-based ground-truthing, combining subsea navigation and imaging systems, to validate sonar interpretations and support monitoring, measurement, and reporting for marine restoration and blue natural capital projects.
Dr. Eva Perrin, Research Fellow in River Pollution, University of Plymouth, will present approaches to improving river water quality monitoring through rapid bacterial screening, sensor-based networks, and community-led data systems across South West catchments. Her work addresses limitations in traditional monitoring frameworks and explores more accessible, real-time approaches to environmental data collection and use. She will discuss case studies from South Hams catchments, including deployment of rapid bacterial screening technology and integrated sensor and data dashboards developed in collaboration with local communities, authorities and industry partners.
Dr. Ian Ashton, Senior Lecturer in Ocean Technology at the University of Exeter and Royal Academy of Engineering Industry Fellow, will explore the MaLCOM framework and how real-time offshore data and improved forecasting techniques can help offshore wind operators make safer, more efficient decisions when planning and carrying out marine operations for an offshore wind farm.
The MMF#71 program will also include engagement from across the wider marine measurement and environmental monitoring community, including a presentation from Holly Pearson, Senior Monitoring Officer at West Country Rivers Trust, who will explore how water monitoring technologies and real-time data are helping tackle urban water pollution and support river management in the context of the River Dart.
In addition to the MET Office, University of Plymouth, West Country Rivers Trust, and Sonardyne International, MMF71’s speakers also include representation from Surfers Against Sewage, Subnero, Surfline, and the South West Coastal Monitoring Program among others.
Emma Johnson, Marine Measurement Forum Steering Group added, “The strength of MMF has always been its informal, discussion-led format and the diversity of perspectives it brings together. This year’s line-up reflects that ethos, with contributions spanning environmental monitoring, habitat restoration, data science and emerging technologies. We’re looking forward to welcoming both returning attendees and new voices to what is always a collaborative and thought-provoking forum.”
Alongside a full day of presentations and structured networking, there will be informal opportunities for discussion throughout the event and an evening networking session. Delegates will also have the option to attend a post-event tour of Teledyne Valeport on July 2, offering insight into the design and manufacture of oceanographic and hydrographic instrumentation.
With limited places available for MMF #71, interested parties are encouraged to book as soon as possible. Full details and registration are available at http://www.marinemeasurementforum.com/
