Facilities
Resources and infrastructure, such as ships, buoys and mesocosm facility, provide our scientists with the tools to conduct meaningful research. Investment in a state-of-the-art lecture facility also enables our scientists to share their knowledge and findings with fellow scientists, key stakeholders and the wider public. Relevant contacts for each facility are listed on their respective pages below.
Virtual tour
Take an inside look at PML and explore our facilities with our interactive tour
Our key facilities
Research vessels
Our two vessels, the Plymouth Quest and PML Explorer, support PML’s research and long-term monitoring activities, including the Western Channel Observatory.
Penlee Point Atmospheric Observatory
The Penlee Point Atmospheric Observatory (PPAO) was established by PML in 2014 for long-term observations of ocean-atmosphere interaction and forms part of the Western Channel Observatory.
Lecture theatre
Opened in October 2011, the Marine Matters Centre, which was partially funded by a generous grant from the Kirby Laing Foundation, provides a modern, fit-for-purpose facility to share our scientists' knowledge with our many stakeholders.
High Performance Computing
The computing capability and expertise at PML enables scientists to process vast amounts of data to tackle some of the largest challenges in marine science. The facility is pivotal in supporting the cutting-edge science produced by both the Earth Observation and Modelling groups at PML and is increasingly being used by other groups to apply techniques such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning.
Data buoys
Autonomous data buoys collect data on a wide range of chemical, physical and biological aspects of the Western English Channel as part of the Western Channel Observatory, one of the longest time-series in the world and important biodiversity reference site.
Smart Sound Laboratory
The new Smart Sound Laboratory at PML is designed for testing and development of pioneering scientific sensors and platforms.
Mesocosm
The Mesocosm facility enables scientists to conduct research in a controlled aquatic environment which closely simulates natural conditions.