Science for Ocean Action
The ocean is in crisis. We're working to fix it.
Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is an independent research charity, globally recognised for pioneering science addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and marine pollution.
Our Ocean Challenges
Understanding impacts. Supporting solutions
Climate Change
Climate change is affecting every aspect of life in the Ocean. PML works to understand and predict climate change, its effects and potential solutions to support decision-makers, industries and society.
Explore Climate Change
Biodiversity Loss
Marine ecosystems and species are under threat. PML harnesses advanced technologies to track and map biodiversity in support of marine protection and sustainable Ocean management.
Explore Biodiversity Loss
Marine Pollution
Plastics. Chemicals. Light. Noise. The Ocean is absorbing it all. PML examines the sources of pollution and its impacts in order to inform actions and solutions.
Explore Marine PollutionOur Global Impact
Delivering science that matters
Years of Research
Over five decades of pioneering marine research by PML scientists.
Publications
Our research is consistently listed amongst the top 1% of the most cited environmental science papers in the world.
Collaborations
Plymouth Marine Laboratory collaborates with more than 600 partner organisations in over 150 countries.
Plymouth Marine Laboratory delivers world-class marine research with real-world impact, informing policy and working with businesses and communities to better protect life in the Ocean.
Our vision, mission and values
Guided by purpose
For over 50 years, PML has been a pioneer in holistic, novel, and innovative approaches, providing integrated, solutions-driven marine science. Our interdisciplinary expertise spans marine, atmospheric, freshwater, social, political, and economic systems, making us uniquely positioned to extend our scientific understanding of the relationship between society and the marine environment.
Recognition and Excellence
Trusted, impartial and independent Science
Connecting science
We make marine science accessible and actionable, co-creating transformative ocean practices where both people and nature thrive. Our work fosters a society that understands, values, and actively cares for the ocean.
Scientific leadership
Our researchers lead international committees, advise government policy, and author landmark studies that define marine science standards globally.
Policy impact
You can find our science informing policy and referenced in science-policy reports from regional to global scale, including key roles in writing Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports.
Award-Winning research
Global recognition for scientific excellence includes MBE honors, the prestigious Volvo Environment Prize for world-leading microplastics research, and A.G. Huntsman Award for Marine Sciences.
Our people
The faces of Plymouth Marine Laboratory
We work together to achieve our shared purpose in a socially and environmentally responsible way, delivered by our highly valued interdisciplinary team of scientists, technologists, and operational support staff. Research integrity underpins everything we do.
"I am a passionate advocate for science-informed management of the deep ocean and high seas. My career has been focused on providing knowledge on benthic deep-sea ecosystems to management bodies to inform decision-making."
"I love being able to observe the fascinating world of marine plankton. These tiny organisms form the basis of marine food webs and impact the human communities that depend on these ecosystems. Investigating zooplankton is vital in understanding how to preserve marine habitats and life on our planet. I am extremely lucky to have seen this miniature world on a daily basis and to work for such a great organisation as PML."
"I’ve spent my life on or around the sea and that’s what drives me. I’m motivated by solving problems in complex environments and take real satisfaction in seeing others succeed, especially when I’ve helped make it happen. PML’s smart use of tech to protect the ocean makes a difference and I’m proud to be part of that team."
"I enjoy the challenge of translating complex environmental data into knowledge that supports the sustainable use of ocean resources."
"PML’s research of the marine environment and those who interact with or depend on this environment is constantly developing, relevant and incredibly innovative. On top of that the people who work here are great colleagues and from all over the world, who would not enjoy working here?"
"The global ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, generates half the oxygen we breathe, and absorbs a quarter of the carbon we emit. Building a better understanding of how the ocean is expected to change in the coming century is both immensely challenging and the utmost importance."
Our Funders
Enabling our global marine research
As a charitable research organisation, we depend on the generosity of funders, philanthropic trusts, foundations, companies, and individuals who share our commitment to ocean science and environmental protection. Their investment enables us to pursue groundbreaking research that addresses the most pressing marine challenges of our time.
From research to real-world solutions
Our commercial subsidiary is an environmental consultancy, providing scientific research, consulting and training to commercial and environmental organisations. PML Applications specialises in reducing clients' marine environmental impact, bringing together world-class science and practical application. All profits are reinvested directly into our research.
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