Healthy oceans
Learn how the Marine Institute is tackling plastic pollution and the loss of habitat and marine biodiversity to protect the health of our oceans, from the coast to the deep sea
Our researchers study the sources and impacts of factors that degrade the marine environment, including pollution and habitat destruction, in order to help develop and test practical solutions.
More centres and groups striving for healthier oceans
Research projects and initiatives
TYRE-LOSS: Lost at Sea – where are all the tyre particles?
A project that brings multiple research organisations, industries and policy-makers together to reveal the impact of tyre particles on the marine environment
Monitoring the recovery of Lyme Bay
Over 10 years of research projects that involve extensive monitoring and support within a vulnerable marine protected area
TRANSAT (TRANSversal Actions for Tritium)
A £4 million project exploring the potential dangers posed by tritium – a rare radioactive isotope of hydrogen produced during nuclear fission
More projects striving for healthier oceans
A selection of further projects:
Beaked whales hypoxia tolerance, behavioural response
Biological monitoring for riverine systems
Bottlenose dolphin movements
Bottlenose dolphin whistle analysis
Climate-driven changes in breeding phenology in fin whales
Coral Reef Exometabolomes: organismal physiology and environmental health
Description of the Walvis Ridge
Hepatic 3D spheroids, testing in toxicology (SPHERTOX)
Metal contaminants in agricultural catchments, water quality
Tropical refuges for cetaceans
Underwater noise monitoring
Making an impact through leading research and expertise
Our longstanding, reputable portfolio of research and innovation, ensures we are well-placed to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inform national and international policy.
- Directly contributed to and influenced environmental policies, guided industrial practice and helped instigate a shift in public understanding about the impact of plastic pollution.
- Influenced the UK decision to tax plastic bags in 2015 and the 2018 ban of cosmetic microbeads in the UK, followed by similar bans in countries around the world.
- Contributed substantially to the understanding of how marine biodiversity is responding to environmental change and informed decisions at a regional, national and international levels.
- Led the science-policy working group on the implementation of pelagic habitat biodiversity conservation, as part of the UK's and EU's marine strategies.
Study opportunities
Our marine- and ocean-related degrees are supporting the next generation of thinkers and change-makers to keep our oceans healthy.
Relevant undergraduate courses
- BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (Full-time)
- BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (Full-time)
- BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology (Full-time)
- BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Oceanography (Full-time)
- BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation (Full-time)
- BSc (Hons) Environmental Chemistry (Full-time)
Relevant postgraduate taught programmes
More ways to make a difference with a masters...
Sustainable Development Goal 3
Sustainable Development Goal 11
Sustainable Development Goal 14
Relevant postgraduate research degrees and opportunities
- PhD Marine Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Marine Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- PhD Environmental Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Environmental Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- PhD Biological Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Biological Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- PhD Chemistry (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Chemistry (Full-time, Part-time route available)
Further research study opportunities:
We supervise postgraduate research in the following areas:
