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

Vampire crabs (Geosesarma species) are small, semi-terrestrial tropical crabs native to Southeast Asia. These Red Devil Vampire Crabs (Geosesarma hagen) are the subject of ongoing research at the University of Plymouth to establish their behaviours
Scientists provide first assessment of online global trade in brachyuran land crabs

Research led by the University aims to pave the way for informed decisions about the catching, importing and exporting of key species

3 July 2026
 
 
 
 
 

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