Our Science
Science for Ocean Action
The future of our planet depends on a healthy ocean. For over 50 years, Plymouth Marine Laboratory has been at the forefront of understanding that relationship, combining marine, atmospheric, freshwater, social and economic science to generate the trusted, impartial knowledge the world needs to act.
Our mission is to conduct impactful, interdisciplinary and collaborative marine research, enhancing knowledge and delivering solutions to the ocean's great challenges, with both nature and people as co-beneficiaries.
Our Ocean Challenges
Understanding impacts. Supporting solutions
Our science is focused where it matters most. We lead on the three defining challenges facing our ocean, and everything we research connects back to one of them.
Climate Change
Climate change is affecting every aspect of life in the Ocean. PML works to understand and predict climate change, its effects and potential solutions to support decision-makers, industries and society.
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Biodiversity Loss
Marine ecosystems and species are under threat. PML harnesses advanced technologies to track and map biodiversity in support of marine protection and sustainable Ocean management.
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Marine Pollution
Plastics. Chemicals. Light. Noise. The Ocean is absorbing it all. PML examines the sources of pollution and its impacts in order to inform actions and solutions.
Explore the challengeScience Portfolios
Our research in depth
Each Ocean Challenge is tackled through dedicated science portfolios, deep research programmes that turn strategic ambition into specific, measurable outcomes for nature and society.
Our Science
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Guided by
Our science priorities
We are synonymous with high-quality research delivered in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable way. Four strategic priorities shape how we work and how we ensure our science creates real change.
Enhance knowledge and understanding of marine systems
We study marine ecosystems from the microscopic to the planetary, examining their structure, function and resilience under pressure. By combining natural science with social, psychological and economic research, we understand not just what is changing, but why, and what it means for people.
Employ and develop new technologies
We transform how the ocean is observed, modelled and understood. From autonomous vehicles and novel sensors to AI-driven analysis and satellite observation, we continuously push the boundaries of what marine science can see and do, responsibly and at scale.
Deliver research impact
Discovery is only the beginning. We work directly with governments, policymakers and industries to translate our findings into decisions that protect and restore the ocean. Our research has informed national legislation, shaped international policy and influenced over £50 million in environmental investment.
Empower society
Everyone has a stake in the ocean's future. We work to ensure the knowledge we generate reaches beyond academia, equipping communities, industries and individuals to understand the consequences of their choices and to make better ones.
Latest Projects
Science projects
From the Western Channel Observatory, one of the world's longest-running ocean time series, to global satellite monitoring campaigns and AI-driven biodiversity tracking, our projects span every dimension of marine science. Supported by UKRI, NERC, the European Space Agency and a growing network of philanthropic and industry partners.
Latest Updates
Updates and insights from PML
Our people
People are at the heart of our science
Our interdisciplinary team of scientists, technologists and operational staff share a single purpose: to advance marine science for the benefit of nature and society. Research integrity underpins everything we do, as does a culture where people can genuinely flourish.
"Anthropogenic climate change is causing unprecedented change to ocean ecosystems. Working at PML allows me to engage in far-reaching, impactful, highly collaborative research that enables a deeper understanding of the marine environment and ultimately – helps provide solutions to the unique challenges we face in the conservation and sustainable management of our oceans and seas."
"My scientific interests surround environmental change impacts on marine ecosystems ranging from marine biodiversity, biogeographical and phenological changes to whole ecosystem regime shifts at the oceanic scale"
"I am completely fascinated by the tiniest parts of our marine environment. It is so exciting to have the opportunity to learn absolutely everything I can about phytoplankton, from such an amazing team of experts. The possibilities at PML are endless, it makes me feel very grateful that every day I get the chance to work with and chat to some amazing people that are contributing to expanding our marine knowledge."
"From an early age I was fascinated by the sea and the way it is driven by the ever-changing weather. Working at PML nearly 25 years has deepened my interest and understanding of the marine environment and I consider myself privileged to be able to continually ask different questions about how things work; and sometimes coming up with the answers."
"I have loved the start of my PML working life, everyone has been super friendly and supportive. I enjoy working in HR as I enjoy helping and support people."
"Observing lake water quality is the first step in safeguarding their sustainable use for future generations. Every improvement in the science or the engineering behind our global observation capability, whether through advanced computing, using new sensors or by enabling citizens, brings us one step closer to realising that goal."
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