The “Cato Curves”, used extensively for predicting sonar performance for over 30 years, is named after Prof. Cato. Prof Cato is an expert in marine acoustic. Although having retried from DST as a Principal Scientist in the Marine Environment Division of DST, as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney and the University of Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Prof Cato remains actively involved in marine acoustic research such as research into the impacts of anthropic noise on whales. He has more than forty years of experience in research in sonar performance particularly the way it is affected by ocean acoustics and is best known for his achievements in understanding the ambient sounds of the ocean. He is also a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America.
His current research interests include
- Assessment the impacts of sonars on marine mammals using the most recent research (including our own) aimed at updating the environmental management procedures of Defence maritime activities
- Assessing the impacts of explosions on humans and marine mammals to establish safe ranges for Defence maritime activities
- Feasibility study for the project “Automating the detection of whales at sea”
- Assessment of safe ranges for divers from acoustic communication systems
