To validate numerical models, to provide ground truth for remote sensing, or just to understand oceanographic processes, scientists need to make measurements in situ. The ocean has always been a hostile place with strong forces (winds, waves, currents), unwanted biological friends (biofouling), and chemical hardships (corrosion). However, humans are progressively expanding their domain, and consequently, the coastal ocean is becoming an even tougher place to work.

Nittrouer, C.A. 2017. Challenges of observational oceanography in the modern coastal ocean. Oceanography 30(3):71, https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2017.315.

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