In the last two decades, we have witnessed growing research interest in underwater communications and networks for civilian and scientific, as well as, military types of applications. Despite the plethora of studies in the area, many issues still remain to be solved due to the challenging nature of the propagation medium. In this special issue, original technical contributions will be solicited that focus on performance analysis of novel algorithms and techniques that will enhance and support the development of next-generation underwater communication technologies. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Ad hoc underwater sensor networks
• Advanced modulation schemes
• Arrayed receivers
• Channel modelling
• Channel estimation
• Cross-layer design
• Error control coding
• Experimental systems
• Hybrid networks
• Localization in underwater networks
• MIMO systems
• Modem technologies
• Multiuser communications
• Network and physical layer coding
• Optical underwater communications
• Real-time receiver designs
• Routing protocols
• Turbo and iterative receivers

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jece/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable:

Manuscript Due	Friday, 13 January 2012
First Round of Reviews	Friday, 6 April 2012
Publication Date	Friday, 1 June 2012

Lead Guest Editor

• Charalampos C. Tsimenidis, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

Guest Editors

• Yuriy Zakharov, The University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
• Christophe Laot, Telecom Bretagne, 29200 Brest, France
• Konstantinos Pelekanakis, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119223
• Paolo Casari, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
• Andrey K. Morozov, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA 02543, USA