Professor of Coastal Oceanography Charitha Pattiaratchi’s body of work is, like the ocean, vast and deep.

His research into ocean patterns and ecosystems combines multiple disciplines including oceanography, meteorology, geology, ecology, and engineering which are applied to investigating a multitude of issues.

They range from coastal erosion and various climate change issues to tracking the drift of ocean drift plastics and migration of marine life, to solving marine infrastructure challenges such harbour layouts and desalination plants.

The oceanographer’s work has often taken him into unexpected – if not uncharted waters – such as the discovery of debris from missing passenger flight Malaysia Airlines flight 370.

Often at the forefront of his field of research, Professor Pattiaratchi designed the world’s first artificial surfing reef and pioneered the use of autonomous ocean gliders to make coastal observations in Australia.

The globally renowned coastal oceanography group he built at The University of Western Australia has mentored and trained hundreds of students and early career scientists, and was recently honoured with The Oceanography Society’s Mentoring Award.

Speaking to Research on the Record Professor Pattiaratchi reflects on an extraordinary career – explaining how an advertisement in a comic book sparked his interest in oceanography, why he ended up in Australia because of Margaret Thatcher, and how being a record-breaking swimming champion helped him achieve his academic goals.

He also speaks about his legacy of mentoring and the importance of being a role model to aspiring ocean scientists – as he offers his advice to mentors and students alike