PML scientists contribute to groundbreaking Plankton Manifesto

Scientists from Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) have played a key role in developing the ‘Plankton Manifesto’, a landmark document launched by the UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition.

The manifesto, unveiled during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 23 September 2024, emphasizes the critical importance of plankton in addressing the interlinked global crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Researchers representing Marine Research Plymouth (which includes PML, in addition to the University of Plymouth and Marine Biological Association) were among the 30 international experts from leading institutions and industries worldwide who collaborated on the initiative.

PML’s expertise in plankton biology, marine ecosystems and modelling has been instrumental in shaping the manifesto’s key recommendations and glossary of terms.

Prof. Kevin Flynn, plankton ecologist at PML, stated:

“We are proud to have contributed to this vital document. The Plankton Manifesto represents a significant step forward in recognizing the crucial role that these mainly microscopic organisms play in sustaining our planet’s health.”

The Plankton Manifesto highlights the essential functions of plankton, which have been the foundational to life on Earth for over 3.5 billion years. These organisms, most of which are single-celled microbes, generated a significant portion of the world’s atmospheric oxygen, absorbing vast amounts of carbon CO₂, and continue to form the base of most marine food webs supporting fisheries worldwide.

Key recommendations of the manifesto include:

• Improving knowledge and monitoring of plankton biodiversity
• Creating global awareness about the importance of plankton though literacy projects
• Integrating plankton into international climate and biodiversity discussions, including developing digital twins realistically representing their activity

PML’s involvement in the manifesto aligns with its long-standing commitment to advancing marine science and understanding the critical role of plankton in ocean ecosystems.

The Plankton Manifesto will seek endorsements at upcoming global environmental conferences, including COP29 on Climate, COP16 on Biodiversity, and the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, in June 2025.

About the Ocean Stewardship Coalition

The United Nations Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition has been a convening point for ocean-related industries, governments, UN organizations, academic institutions, and financial actors since 2018. The coalition works towards a well-managed ocean and a sustainable ocean economy by mobilizing the private sector and engaging them in policy processes.

About the United Nations Global Compact

The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, with more than 20,000 participating companies across 78 countries. Its ambition is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals.

About Marine Research Plymouth

Marine Research Plymouth is a partnership and shared vision to harness the expertise of the UK’s largest cluster of marine science researchers and cutting-edge facilities. Building greater cohesion and cooperation across three leading institutions in pursuit of world-leading marine science for a sustainable future, Marine Research Plymouth combines the internationally-renowned marine science capabilities of the Marine Biological Association (MBA), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the University of Plymouth (UoP).