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Our vision is for a healthy and sustainable ocean

Plymouth Marine Laboratory conducts multidisciplinary research at the cutting edge of marine science to understand the complex marine environment and help solve the challenges it faces.

Who we areOur mission and values
Photo of Professor Tim Smyth

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.

Professor Tim Smyth
Head of Science - Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations
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Delivering science with impact

PML is committed to delivering world-leading research that furthers our understanding of the ocean and creates positive outcomes for society and the environment.

Explore our scienceOur impact

Featured projects

Rewa, Poland. Aerial view of Isthmus Rewski in summer at the Baltic Sea in Rewa, Pomeranian voivodship, Poland.

LandSeaLot: Land-Sea interface: Let’s observe together!

Monitoring the complex land-sea interface is critical for managing pollution, carbon fluxes, biodiversity, and other challenges driven by human and climate pressures. The 4-year LandSeaLot project ...

Saltmarsh

C-BLUES: Carbon sequestration in BLUe EcoSystems

The C-BLUES project aims to significantly advance knowledge and understanding of blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) - seagrasses, tidal marshes, mangroves and macroalgae - to reduce scientific uncertai ...

white cliffs next to a beach

CHALKY: Coccolithophore controls on ocean alkalinity

The CHALKY project aims to determine how coccolithophore calcium carbonate production, recycling and export from the surface ocean affects air-sea CO2 fluxes and the ocean's carbon ...

View more of our projects

Addressing global challenges

Climate change, ocean acidification, pollution and over-exploitation of natural resources – the ocean is facing greater challenges than ever. At PML we work at global, regional and local levels, alongside partners across the world, to deliver the science needed for a sustainable ocean future.

View our partnerships
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Understanding a changing planet

Human influence has had detrimental effects on the atmosphere, ocean and land, including the warming and acidification of the marine environment. PML is renowned for its unique expertise in monitoring the effects of these changes, integrating traditional research with advanced digital science techniques and technologies.

PML is addressing these issues through our Science to impact Challenge areas, which include: Autonomy, technology and digitisation, Biodiversity, Cleaner seas, Climate change, and Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

View all of our research topics

image of icebergs