Man fishing in small boat above coral reef, CMACS
 


The Centre for Marine Biology and Conservation Science (CMACS) unites the University of Plymouth's long-standing and internationally recognised research in marine biology and marine conservation science. 
By providing an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for knowledge exchange and relationship development, CMACS drives ambitious, innovative, interdisciplinary, world-class marine research.

CMACS is an exciting space that creates opportunities for marine scientists to collaborate with other scientists, disciplines and stakeholders, forming transdisciplinary partnerships to tackle some of the worlds biggest challenges.

Emma SheehanProfessor Emma Sheehan
Co-Director of CMACS and Professor of Marine Ecology

By uniting our internationally recognised expertise in marine biology and conservation science, CMACS creates exciting new opportunities for collaboration and innovation, enabling research that will make a meaningful difference to the future of our oceans.

Nicola FosterDr Nicola Foster
Co-Director CMACS and Lecturer in Marine Biology

Our mission:

  • Drive collaborative, inclusive and interdisciplinary marine research 
  • Create opportunities for early career researchers 
  • Disseminate marine biology and conservation science research excellence 
  • Promote marine biology and conservation science research at a regional, national and international level.

Can the seas ensure food security to feed a growing world population?

From the health and nutrition of farmed fish, crustaceans and bivalves, to marine conservation, fish tracking, habitat studies and long-term ecological monitoring, research at the University of Plymouth is exploring how all of these diverse elements help contribute towards responsible marine and freshwater food production and, in doing so, how they support coastal economies and national food security.

Research team

 

Marine conservation news

A Getty Images picture showing the town of Primosten, a popular tourist destination on the Dalmatian coast of Adriatic sea in Croatia, at night
Study highlights the European waters at greatest risk of harmful light pollution

Scientists have produced the first framework which can be used to assess whether a region is of Good Environmental Status in terms of light pollution

7 October 2026
 
 
 
 
 

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