Plymouth Marine Laboratory

westernchannelobservatory.org.ukWestern Channel ObservatoryAn oceanographic time-series and marine biodiversity reference site in the Western English Channel.

Wave heights of around 9 metres! 😲 Check out the live stats and webcam from our autonomous buoy here: www.westernchannelobservatory.org.uk/buoys.php

Plymouth Marine Laboratory@pml.ac.uk

Oh buoy 😕 Storm Austen giving our L4 autonomous buoy a bit of a shake up this morning! #StormAusten #Plymouth #UK More info about the buoy below 👇

⛏️🪨 A global hotspot for #DeepSeaMining: The Clarion–Clipperton Zone is a vast stretch of #seafloor, attracting huge commercial interest for its store of precious materials used for #electronics. But a new PML-led study highlights opportunities for marine protection: pml.ac.uk/news/study-h...

This important study is more vital than ever with the #biodiversity #COP17 underway in #Yerevan, #Armenia and the first-ever #COP for the #BBNJAgreement (#HighSeasTreaty) set to take place January '27.

Oh buoy 😕 Storm Austen giving our L4 autonomous buoy a bit of a shake up this morning! #StormAusten #Plymouth #UK More info about the buoy below 👇

The L4 autonomous buoy has a sophisticated suite of sensors through the water column, measuring temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, pH, turbidity, & more! Above water, the buoy measures radiometry, & in collab with @metoffice.gov.uk Office, a full suite of meteorological sensors.

Our Marine Robotics Technologist Ross Sanders said: "When #StormAusten brought its worst in #Plymouth this morning, the L4 data buoy delivered its best: standing resilient in open waters to capture crucial real-time ocean data, when we needed it most!" 🌊⚓️

pml.ac.ukPML urges a more joined up approach on biodiversity, climate and the High Seas TreatyThe UN Biodiversity Conference is underway in Armenia with contributions from PML scientists

There’s a #COP for #ClimateChange, and a COP for #Biodiversity - but we know these environmental challenges are deeply interconnected 🌍 As #COP17Armenia begins in #Armenia, PML’s Prof Matt Frost calls for a more joined-up approach to tackling them: pml.ac.uk/news/pml-urg...

Prof Jacqui Hamilton (Rickard)

Wow! 🚢 We have a rare and exciting opportunity for a 'Senior Deck & Engineer Technician' to join our friendly, first-class Marine Operations Group. Find out more and apply 👇 pml.ac.uk/working-with... #Hiring #Plymouth #PlymouthJobs #MarineJobs #BlueJobs

Plymouth Marine Laboratory reposted

@jacquirickard.bsky.social

Interesting visit to the Sir David Attenborough for a meeting with the NERC science directors to talk national capability research, environmental data and future plans @ncas-uk.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social @nceoscience.bsky.social @bas.ac.uk @noc.ac.uk @bgs.ac.uk @pml.ac.uk @cpom-uk.bsky.social

pml.ac.ukWhat is El Niño, how does it work and what will it do?PML’s Dr Lee de Mora explains the science behind El Niño and explores how it could shape weather around the world – and here in the UK.

“We’re truly in uncharted territory…” 🌍 What is #ElNiño, why is this one so strong, and what could it mean for people, wildlife and weather worldwide – including the UK? PML’s Dr Lee de Mora breaks down the science in this new explainer article: pml.ac.uk/news/what-is...

pml.ac.ukNew paper highlights the ocean‘s role in uniting global environmental actionThe article, co-authored by PML’s Office for International Affairs, presents scientific and policy rationales for positioning the ocean as a unifying agenda to advance major international environmen

“The success of global action to protect the ozone layer shows what we can achieve when science, policy and countries work together towards a common goal.” New paper highlights the #ocean's role in uniting global #EnvironmentalAction 👇 pml.ac.uk/news/new-pap...

Plymouth Marine Laboratory reposted

AquaPLAN

@aquaplan.bsky.social

Congratulations @pml.ac.uk and all the AquaPLAN team on this key achievement from the project 👏🎉

Plymouth Marine Laboratory@pml.ac.uk

Scientists have produced the first ever framework which can be used to assess whether a region is of 'Good Environmental Status' in terms of #LightPollution - with authors stating that the evidence is now there for action on #ArtificialLightAtNight 👇 🔗 pml.ac.uk/news/study-h...

pml.ac.ukStudy highlights the European waters at greatest risk of harmful light pollutionScientists have produced the first framework which can be used to assess whether a region is of Good Environmental Status in terms of light pollution.

Plymouth Marine Laboratory reposted

Brendan Godley

@brendangodley.bsky.social

Good news! The excellent collaboration continues between @pml.ac.uk and @exetermarine.bsky.social

University of Exeter News@uniofexeternews.bsky.social

Exeter and @pml.ac.uk signed a new Memorandum of Understanding today, which will strengthen opportunities for future collaboration and allow doctoral students to capitalise on the expertise and experience of scientists from both institutions. news.exeter.ac.uk/research-net...

news.exeter.ac.ukMarine collaboration strengthened in boost to South West regionTwo of the South West’s leading organisations for marine research and education have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reflecting their shared commitment to addressing the key issues fac...

Plymouth Marine Laboratory reposted

Ce_at_sea

@ce-at-sea.bsky.social

Looking for a #PhD? Interested in #marine #ecosystems #plankton #ecology or #computervision? Apply to study with us and investigate The Bigger Picture: aries-dtp.ac.uk/studentships... @pml.ac.uk @bas.ac.uk @essexuni.bsky.social

aries-dtp.ac.ukThe Bigger Picture: Integrating Plankton Imaging Techniques to Explore Ecosystem Structure and Function | AriesMrs Elaine Fileman, Plymouth Marine Laboratory – contact me Dr Cecilia Liszka, British Antarctic Survey Dr Eoin O’Gorman, University of Essex Professor Pennie Lindeque…

Please join us in wishing a huge congratulations to Professor Steve Groom for an incredible 40 years of service at the lab! 🤩 And hear from our Director of Science Prof Tim Smyth who describes his incredible journey during his time here (in reply below) 👇

Tim said:

And lastly, another from the archives - media coverage from Professor Steve Grooms research 🤩

🤝 Stronger together: PML and the University of Exeter have signed a new agreement to deepen our collaboration on marine science. Discover our history in this thread 🧵👇

View full thread

Now, a new Memorandum of Understanding will create further opportunities to bring together expertise, support the next generation of scientists and tackle some of the key challenges facing our ocean - and planet. 🧵👇

pml.ac.ukMarine collaboration strengthened in boost to South West regionTwo of the South West’s leading organisations for marine research and education have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reflecting their shared commitment to addressing the key issues f

Together, we’re strengthening the South West’s position as a world-leading centre for marine research and innovation. Read the full story: pml.ac.uk/news/marine-...

🤝 Stronger together: PML and the University of Exeter have signed a new agreement to deepen our collaboration on marine science. Discover our history in this thread 🧵👇

University of Exeter News

Did you know? Our partnership stretches back more than a decade - and since 2021 alone, it has helped secure more than £10 million in #ResearchFunding, supported around 350 #ResearchPapers, and provided joint or shared supervision for 24 #PhDstudents. 🧵👇

Plymouth Marine Laboratory reposted

@uniofexeternews.bsky.social

Plymouth Marine Laboratory reposted

National Centre for Atmospheric Science

@ncas-uk.bsky.social

Science in action: An international group of researchers prepare to set sail on the @noc.ac.uk's RRS Discovery to investigate how remote ocean environments influence the Earth’s atmosphere and climate system. 🗺️ Southampton -> Cabo Verde @pml.ac.uk @ncas-uk.bsky.social #earth-science #SciComm 🧪

Plymouth Marine Laboratory reposted

National Centre for Atmospheric Science

@ncas-uk.bsky.social

How do scientists measure ocean-emitted emissions? Let's visit @noc.ac.uk's RRS Discovery to find out! _ @pml.ac.uk #earth-science #SciComm 🧪

pml.ac.ukMining pollution puts nearly 300,000km of world’s coastlines at risk, study warnsNew research has found that tens of thousands of metal mines and mine waste sites pose a pollution risk to almost 300,000km of the world’s coastline, a threat set to grow as climate change accelerat

⚠️ Almost 300,000 km of the world's coastline at risk from #pollution linked to metal mines and mine waste, new research finds. That's enough to circle the Earth more than seven times. 🔗 pml.ac.uk/news/mining-...

Great to work with our friends at the National Oceanography Centre (@noc.ac.uk) on this study to investigate the potential extent of mining pollution across the globe.

22 Sept

🌧️ Rain = #sewage discharge = #pollution in the ocean? … not necessarily. A #NewStudy has revealed that rainfall alone is a poor predictor of where E. coli contamination will strike: pml.ac.uk/news/sewage-... #Plymouth #Ecoli #bacteria #waterquality

21 Sept

⚠️ 7 out of 9 Planetary Boundaries breached: PML joins calls for UN security briefing. “Now is the time to act” urges PML’s Prof Helen Findlay, who today joined international scientists calling for an annual UN security briefing. Read more and access the report: pml.ac.uk/news/7-out-o... 🧵👇 (1/3)

21 Sept

💡 Just one year ago, in a landmark paper, Professor Findlay alerted the world to the news that the seventh planetary boundary had already been crossed: #OceanAcidification. 🧵👇 (2/3)

planetaryhealthcheck.orgPlanetary Health CheckWe have breached 7 out of 9 Planetary Boundaries.The Planetary Health Check 2026 makes it clear: We have to act now.

21 Sept

The call accompanies the release of the #PlanetaryHealthCheck 2026, an assessment led by scientists at the Planetary Boundaries Science Lab - part of @pik-potsdam.bsky.social, and co-authored by Professor Findlay. Access the report: www.planetaryhealthcheck.org 🧵👇 (3/3)

pml.ac.ukPML welcomes new Honorary Fellow Lowri Mai Griffiths MBELowri Mai Griffiths MBE is an international ocean governance specialist with extensive experience working across global ocean policy processes and representing UK Government at the highest level

16 Sept

🎉 Delighted to announce that Lowri Mai Griffiths MBE has accepted an invitation to become a PML Honorary Fellow. Lowri’s fellowship brings with it considerable high-level, international expertise in #OceanPolicy & governance, which will help support PML’s strategic goals. 🔗 pml.ac.uk/news/pml-wel...

pml.ac.ukWhat’s in a label? New study examines whether seafood ecolabels can truly support sustainability in fishingCan a seafood ecolabel really make fishing more sustainable? New research reveals what makes schemes work for fishers – and ultimately our ocean.

15 Sept

A #Seafood #SustainabilityLabel might sound like a 'win-win': #consumers can identify #ResponsiblyCaught seafood, with #fishers potentially seeing an increase in their demand - and prices. But new PML research suggests the reality is far more complicated... 🔗 pml.ac.uk/news/whats-i...

Last chance to apply! 📢 We have opened a brand new role at the laboratory: 'Head of Strategic Partnerships and Funding'. Salary: £61k - £65k per annum Full-time (37 hours per week) Plymouth (Hybrid available) Apply by: 15th September 2026 Find out more and apply: pml.ac.uk/working-with...

pml.ac.ukSpace science comes to Plymouth for Protecting Our Planet DayClassrooms across the UK will be watching Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) this November, as it hosts Protecting Our Planet Day for the first time. The online event will showcase careers in Science, T

🚀 Space science is coming to #Plymouth for Protecting our Planet Day #POP26! 🛰️ On 19 Nov, 1000s of #students & #educators can join live talks & interactive sessions exploring how #satellites & #scientists are helping protect our planet 🌎 🔗 Find out more & register: pml.ac.uk/news/space-s...

💡 Organised by ESERO UK at STEM Learning UK, in collab with the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency, POP brings the world of space science into classrooms, connecting young people with science, technology & careers helping us tackle the biggest environmental challenges facing our planet.

@stemlearning.bsky.social @esa.int @ukspaceagency.bsky.social

#ElNiño: should we be paying attention? PML's Director of Science, Professor Tim Smyth shares his reflections. Thread 🧵👇 (1/4) #ElNino #OceanScience #Climate #MarineScience #Oceanography

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#ElNiño: should we be paying attention? PML's Director of Science, Professor Tim Smyth shares his reflections. Thread 🧵👇 (1/4) #ElNino #OceanScience #Climate #MarineScience #Oceanography

🧵👇 (2/4)

pml.ac.ukSun, sea and sunscreen: what happens when UV filters enter the ocean?PhD researcher Anneliese Hodge speaks to BBC World Service about what we know – and don’t yet know – about the environmental impacts of UV filters in sunscreen.

🧴🌊 From coral reefs to the Arctic, UV-filtering chemicals from sunscreen have been detected in marine environments around the world. PML PhD researcher Anneliese Hodge speaks to BBC World Service about what we know – and don’t yet know – about their environmental impacts. pml.ac.uk/news/sun-sea...

☝️ Anneliese Hodge, PhD researcher with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Plymouth (@plymuni.bsky.social), recently joined BBC World Service programme Unexpected Elements to discuss her research into the effects of sunscreen compounds on marine primary producers, including algae.

Happy #BankHoliday weekend! Taking a moment to celebrate our brilliant all-female PML crew, who took on the 26-mile #Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit aboard Duchess – raising £2,691 for St Luke's Hospice Plymouth! They even had a pod of Risso’s dolphins escorting them on their sails!🐬👇🧵

The crew included, PML's Penelope Lindeque, Gemma Kulk, Océane Marcone, Lianne Jackson - and of course, Jani Smallridge, owner of Duchess - the Albin Ballad yacht ⛵️ Huge well done to you all! And thank you to everyone who donated and supported the team.

27 Aug

"It does worry me - the system is changing, and we don't really know what to expect in the future. But I think: expect different, would be my message." PML's Professor Tim Smyth featured on Channel 5 News this week about the Mediterranean #octopus thriving in warmer #UK waters. #ClimateChange

25 Aug

“This is unprecedented." PML's Prof Tim Smyth speaks to BBC News about the global ocean hitting its highest temperatures on record as #ElNiño grows, and the almost continuous #MarineHeatwave we have observed in the western #EnglishChannel - for over 3 years running. 🔗 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukWorld's oceans hit highest temperature on record as El Niño growsThe record "is another clear signal of an ocean under growing stress", according to Dr Samantha Burgess from the European Copernicus climate change service.

25 Aug

💡 The average surface temperature of the planet's seas outside the polar regions hit 21.1C (70F) on Saturday, according to figures from the European Copernicus climate change service ( @copernicusecmwf.bsky.social ) 🔗 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

theconversation.comA ‘super’ El Niño has the power to devastate fishing – and leave seals and sea lions starvingA dip in anchovy stocks is not only vital for Peru’s economy, but also essential for supporting fish farming and food production worldwide.

25 Aug

Want to read more about El Niño? Read the latest PML article in @uk.theconversation.com written by our Dr Samantha Garrard here: theconversation.com/a-super-el-n...