PML launches new strategy to 2030 at the World Ocean Summit in Tokyo

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is launching its new strategy for 2025-2030, “Science for Ocean Action,” at the 12th annual World Ocean Summit & Expo in Tokyo. The global ocean event, taking place from March 13^th -14^th, is hosted by Economist Impact with the support of The Nippon Foundation, and brings together over 800 leaders from business, finance, government, policy, civil society, and academia.

PML will have a significant presence at the summit, with representatives participating in critical discussions on ocean health, climate impacts, and marine pollution.

Professor Steve Widdicombe, PML’s Director of Science, will participate in several high-profile sessions, including an opening conversation with the Economist’s Charles Goddard on “Ocean on the brink: Understanding escalating climate impacts.” This timely discussion will highlight three elements; the declining health of ocean systems, the causes of this and the subsequent impacts on human society, and the task we all face to arrest this decline. Underpinning this, Steve and Charles will also explore the need for society to reset its relationship with the natural world, embracing a more equitable, respectful and ethical partnership between people and nature.

Professor Widdicombe will also join a panel discussion on “Ocean acidification and biodiversity loss: turning knowledge into action,” supported by Back to Blue. This session will highlight the critical need for ocean scientists to establish causal links between ocean acidification and damage to marine species, while addressing the inherent challenges in such research. The panel will highlight case studies which emphasise the importance of transforming scientific knowledge into concrete action and policy, as well as exploring how such knowledge should be leveraged with effective financial models.

Additionally, PML’s Professor Tim Smyth will present on “Satellite seascapes: applying advanced technology to tackle marine pollution” on day two of the summit, showcasing PML’s innovative use of satellite observations to address challenges such as oil pollution, plastics, and water quality issues, with special attention to the effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on marine ecosystems and species.

PML’s “Science for Ocean Action” Strategy: 2025-2030

Coinciding with the summit, PML is launching its “Science for Ocean Action” strategy. Representing an evolution in PML’s approach to marine science the new strategy is designed to further integrate multiple scientific disciplines. Building on the charity’s five-decade legacy of marine science excellence it will also take advantage of leading-edge technological innovations to address the complex challenges facing the Ocean.

The strategy itself is built upon four interconnected pillars: Science, Technology and Impact, Business Growth and Reputation, Operational Excellence and People & Culture, supported by cross-cutting initiatives in Digital Innovation and Environmental Responsibility.

Within Science, Technology and Impact, there are four main delivery objectives:

1. Enhancing Knowledge and Understanding of Marine Systems: The strategy aims to deepen fundamental understanding of marine ecosystem structure and function, with particular focus on responses to climatic and anthropogenic stressors. PML will take a holistic approach by combining natural, social, psychological, and economic research to evidence the interconnections between humans and marine systems. This interdisciplinary approach will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships that drive changes in ocean health.
2. Employing and Developing New Technologies: PML will transform its capabilities in observing, modelling, visualising, and explaining the marine environment through innovative deployment of novel sensors, platforms, and digital technologies. This technological advancement will ensure intensive, effective, and responsible research methodologies that capture marine data with unprecedented precision and scope. The integration of cutting-edge technologies will enable PML to monitor ocean systems at multiple scales, from microscopic processes to global patterns.
3. Delivering Research Impact for Responsible Ocean Stewardship: By developing a deeper understanding of both the causes and consequences of changes in marine systems, as well as societal behaviour, PML will provide evidence and insights that better inform decision-making and management practices. The strategy emphasizes translating scientific knowledge into practical applications that support sustainable ocean governance and responsible resource management.
4. Empowering Society to Make Informed Decisions: PML will strive towards more effectively communicating scientific knowledge to all stakeholders, aimed at ensuring that everyone – from policymakers to the general public – is equipped to understand the consequences of their decisions and behaviours towards marine systems. This commitment to science communication and public engagement will help bridge the gap between specialized research and broader societal action.

Professor Icarus Allen, Chief Executive of PML, stated: “The World Ocean Summit represents a significant opportunity to align our new strategy with global ocean conservation efforts. Our ‘Science for Ocean Action’ approach focuses on delivering the marine knowledge and solutions needed for a healthy future ocean that benefits both nature and society. By launching our strategy at such a major international forum, we’re emphasising our commitment to collaborative solutions for the most pressing ocean challenges. The strategy represents a holistic approach to not just studying the ocean but actively contributing to its sustainable future by leveraging meaningful change.”

Professor Steve Widdicombe said: “The alarming acceleration of human impacts on our oceans demands urgent, evidence-based action. At PML, we’re dedicated to not just understanding these complex systems but translating that knowledge into practical solutions. Our participation in the World Ocean Summit allows us to share our research while building partnerships that will be essential for addressing the escalating ocean-climate crisis we’re witnessing. Our new strategy recognizes that climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution demand an integrated scientific approach, combining our unique expertise across natural and social science with sophisticated technology to support better decision-making and effective interventions.”

Find out more about the 2025 – 2030 strategy here >>