Marine Conservation Research Group

Investigating the consequences of human activity on marine biodiversity and its ecosystem services

Man fishing in small boat above coral reef.

The Marine Conservation Research Group investigates the consequences of human activity on marine biodiversity and its ecosystem services in order to provide scientific evidence and management advice for the benefit of marine ecosystems and society.

Within the group, there are several units working in key areas of marine conservation:

Our research themes

Marine conservation news

Street lighting creates an artificial glow in the night sky above Plymouth and the surrounding areas (Credit: Thomas Davies)

Initiative increases awareness of the threats posed by light pollution to the global ocean

The Global Ocean Artificial Light at Night Network has been launched at the United Nations Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona

10 April 2024

Lobster tagging to assess habitat restoration effects of offshore aquaculture
The Ropes to Reefs project is looking to assess the wider benefits of the UK’s first large-scale offshore mussel farm, located in Lyme Bay

21 March 2024
University influences new measure seeking to protect marine mammal habitats
Work to study bottlenose dolphins and other mammals has enabled the western English Channel to be identified as an Important Marine Mammal Area

27 February 2024
Small but mighty – study highlights the abundance and importance of the ocean’s tiniest inhabitants
New research led by the University sheds light on tiny plankton, which can make up more than 70% of the plankton biomass found in the ocean

5 February 2024
Study highlights the critical importance of uniting communities and conservation to effectively implement environmental practices
A new paper draws together more than 15 years of research carried out in the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area

16 January 2024
More related news

People

Dr Sian Rees

Associate Head of School - Research

Group lead
Dr Abigail McQuatters-Gollop

Associate Professor of Marine Conservation
Dr Adam Rees

Visiting Researcher
Dr Alexander Wilson

Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology
Dr Alice Hall

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Dr Amelia Bridges

Research Fellow
Amy Cartwright

Project Support Officer
Dr Anaelle Lemasson

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Dr Benjamin Ciotti

Lecturer in Marine Biology
Dr Clare Embling

Associate Professor of Marine Ecology
Miss Dannielle Eager

Technical Project Support
Dr Emma Sheehan

Associate Professor of Marine Ecology (Research)
Dr Eva McGrath

Research Fellow (ELMS-Exchange)
Miss Florence Barraud
Miss Florence Parker-Jurd

Associate Research Fellow (TYRE LOSS Project)
Dr Gillian Glegg

Associate Professor in Marine Management
Miss Giulia La Bianca
Dr Holly Niner

Global Challenge Research Fellow: Blue finance for nature-based solutions
Dr Imogen Napper

Visiting Research Fellow
Professor Jason Hall-Spencer

Professor of Marine Biology
Jenny Hickman

Project Support Officer
Miss Joanna Harris

Research Fellow
Professor Kerry Howell

Professor of Deep-Sea Ecology
Mr Kyran Graves
Kizzy Beaumont
Dr Lynda Rodwell

Associate Professor in Ecological Economics
Dr Llucia Mascorda-Cabre

Post Doctoral Research Associate
Ms Maddy Gee
Mr Matthew Faith
Dr Matt Holland

Research Fellow
Professor Martin Attrill

Professor of Marine Ecology
Dr Matthew Ashley

Research Fellow - Social-Ecological Systems
Professor Melanie Austen

Professor of Ocean and Society
Dr Miriam Reverter

Lecturer in Marine Biology
Nata Tavonvunchai
Dr Nicola Quick

Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Dr Nicola Foster

Lecturer in Marine Biology
Oliver Thomas
Dr Peter Davies

Post-Doctoral Researcher
Miss Rachel Turnbull
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS

Director of the Marine Institute
Dr Robert Puschendorf

Associate Professor in Conservation Biology
Shion Reynell

SWEEP Impact Assistant
Dr Simon Ingram

Associate Professor of Marine Conservation
Dr Sarah Gall

Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Dr Thomas Stamp

Post Doctoral Research Associate
Dr Thomas Davies

Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Mr Tom Mullier

Research Assistant AB
Dr Vikki Cheung

Project Manager
Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Environmental Biology), Biodegradable Plastics