Dr Doug Cato’s contributions to the understanding, measurement, and characterization of Australia’s ambient acoustic sea noise environment

Abstract

In 1966, Dr Douglas H. Cato began his investigation of ambient noise in Australian waters as part of the Royal Australian Navy Research Laboratory’s Project BARRABOOL. His research involved identifying and understanding the various ambient noise mechanisms that limit the performance of operational sonar systems in Australian waters. He is responsible for the “Cato Curves” of ocean noise, which have been used extensively for predicting sonar performance. Similarly, his understanding of the ocean environment and the spatial and temporal variability of ambient undersea noise is exploited by the Royal Australian Navy to ensure effective sonar and submarine performance. Dr Cato is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America and his research achievements are published in international peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America and as book chapters in reference texts in underwater acoustics. In 2012, he was the recipient of the Minister’s Achievement Award in Defence Science for his outstanding contributions in underwater acoustics and the effect of sound on marine mammals. This presentation provides examples of Doug’s achievements in defence science and their significance to the Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence.