Oil pollution

Science topics & groups

Science group

Oil pollution

PML routinely monitors areas to detect if oil pollution occurs, so timely action can be taken.

Science group

The marine environment is impacted by human activities which have variable effects on the health of the ocean and its capacity to provide for us. Whilst some impacts are very visible, others are less obvious, and whilst some are benign, others are very harmful.

06 May 2026

MEDIA: PML’s research on ‘Mighty mangroves’ in Asia Research News 2026

Plymouth Marine Laboratory’s research on mangrove ecosystems has been featured in Asia Research News 2026, highlighting ongoing collaborations between the UK and Malaysia.

PML hosts the South West Marine Ecosystems Annual Conference
This years’ conference, titled ‘Past & Future Change’, brought together marine researchers, conservationists, regulators and citizen scientists to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations and inform future monitoring and management of the South West marine environment.
MEDIA: Will 2026 be the year when coral reefs pass their tipping point?
PML’s Dr Samantha Garrard writes for The Conversation UK on what the year ahead could mean for coral reefs.
Where Science Meets Space Agencies: PML at IOCS 2025
The International Ocean Colour Science (IOCS) meeting is underway in Germany –
Only 0.5% of 90,000 oil slicks reported over five-year period, analysis finds
90,000 oil slicks – only 0.5% reported. PML’s Dr. Elizabeth C. Atwood has made headlines today in concerning new analysis that reveals the massive scale of unreported oil pollution at sea – and the lack of enforcemen...