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Plymouth MP visits lab to explore recent advances in marine science technologies
12 July 2024
Luke Pollard MP today visited Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) to see firsthand some of the exciting new marine science technologies being developed in the city.
Luke Pollard MP with Prof. Icarus Allen and Prof. Steve Widdicombe alongside
PML's uncrewed surface sampling vessel, AutoNaut.
PML's uncrewed surface sampling vessel, AutoNaut.
Following PML’s news of the development progress of world’s first long-range autonomous research vessel – the Oceanus – a visit was planned for PML’s scientists to showcase the latest advances in marine autonomy at the lab.
This included its fleet of autonomous sampling devices and the brand-new Imaging FlowCytobot; an ultra-advanced piece of imaging equipment that will be used in long-term, autonomous deployments at sea to record the microscopic plankton off the south coast of the UK. The images will be classified back at PML and used to track changes in the composition of plankton communities in the English Channel.To read more about Imaging FlowCytobot, please visit the 'Automated, in situ Plankton Imaging and Classification System (APICS)' project pages >>
Key topics of conversation included: the role of marine science, in particular marine autonomy, in partnering with business to drive growth in both the Plymouth and national economies; the regulatory environment for marine autonomy, and society’s connection with the ocean and the important role education can play.
Prof. Icarus Allen, Chief Executive of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and PML Applications Ltd, said:
“We are very grateful that the Plymouth, Sutton & Devonport MP, Luke Pollard, has made time to visit the lab to discuss some of the world-first marine science happening in the city, and the importance of long-term sustained monitoring of the marine environment. Plymouth has a long history of nurturing marine pioneers and we are very proud to be able to continue this tradition within Britain’s Ocean City, particularly through the delivery of state-of-the-art autonomous marine technologies".Luke Pollard, newly re-elected MP for Plymouth, Sutton & Devonport and recently appointed Armed Forces Minister, said:
"Plymouth is a world leader in marine science and I’ve been pleased to champion it in Parliament PML’s exciting developments have the potential to not only revolutionise our understanding of the ocean but to create good well paid jobs in the process".