In coming decades, in light of the growing human population on Earth, the ocean, with the water and life it contains, is likely to become increasingly important. Since data collection and operations at sea are expensive, utilizing all of the knowledge we have to plan such collections and operations is logical and important. Useful knowledge here combines science and engineering, including observation, modeling, prediction, estimation and control. The science of autonomy will necessarily play an increasing role in ocean applications. This is because sustaining healthy interactions between the ocean and humans is vital to life on Earth. These interactions will have to be intelligently and autonomously
