We're headed to the IEC Plenary in Berlin + Join us Live!

Dear friends of our ocean, 

I am headed to Berlin this weekend to attend the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Plenary conference that could forever influence the health of our oceans. 

I want to take a moment to thank you all for your generous donations towards sending QOSI to Berlin. We simply couldn’t do this work without such a supportive community. From the bottom of our hearts (and oceans,) thank you. 

At the Plenary, delegates from every country in the world will vote on the future of the technical Standards for the "Smart Ocean" underwater internet and monitoring network. As Convenor of Joint Working Group 32, I will be running a workshop and making sure environmental protections are written into the Standards documents before they’re approved.

We have made another big leap of progress. We now have an IEC Academy platform for our Plenary presentations in Berlin accessible to the public!

On November 27th, 2025 at 08:00 - 14:00 UTC, the IEC Plenary will have a session that is open to the public, which I will lead, titled "Ecological Risks of Underwater Acoustic Signaling." 

The session will explore the effects of acoustic underwater ocean-wide internet and monitoring networks that will run 24/7, regarding the effects on marine mammals and other taxa. Experts will also explore possible ways to mitigate potential harm. It is open to anyone who is interested in the topic. 

Click here to learn more or join the session

Due to some recent developments, I may have the opportunity to become the Head of Delegation (HoD) representing the United States on the International Committees. If we are able to secure the consistent monthly funding needed to accept this role for the 3 year term, this will greatly expand my ability to have a positive influence on maintaining ocean safety. 

We are so close to a huge victory for marine health and preservation. Now we just need your help to get across the finish line.

This trip and our ability to represent environmental safety at the Plenary, depends on last-minute donations to cover the remainder of the travel costs. Every contribution directly supports our mission to protect the ocean from relentless noise.

Visit safesmartocean.org/donate 

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to give, this is it!

Together, we can ensure the next generation of ocean technology is designed with marine sustainably in mind.

Thank you for standing with us in this critical moment. The ocean can’t speak for itself but together, we can speak for it.

All the best,

Kathy