Mr Barrera is an oceanographer with a degree from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Since 2007, Carlos has held the position of Head of the Ocean Vehicles Unit at Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN). He has 25-years of experience in ocean-tech with a focus on autonomous observing systems and platforms.

Technical and operational tasks are time-shared with desk activities related to R&D project coordination, ocean governance initiatives, and services management.

Mr. Barrera currently is chair of the EuroGOOS Ocean-Glider Task Team, a member of the Spanish Autonomous-Ships Working Group, The Maritime Alliance delegate for PLOCAN, coordinator of the PLOCAN Glider School, and task leader within EuroSea project to implement a recognized international network of Unmanned Surface Vehicles to improve ocean observing capabilities.