Plymouth Marine Laboratory
LightNews LightNews
banner
pml.ac.uk
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
@pml.ac.uk
2.6K followers 1.8K following 470 posts
A world leader in the field of marine research, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) delivers impactful science in support of a sustainable ocean future.
Posts Replies Media Videos
pml.ac.uk
#Microplastics are often framed as a surface ocean problem, but new research shows that #copepods may be driving 100s of microplastics down the water column per cubic metre of seawater every day, by packaging #plastics into their negatively buoyant faecal pellets. Read 🔗 pml.ac.uk/news/watch-n...
January 9, 2026 at 1:09 PM
pml.ac.uk
#StormGoretti: conditions are brighter today, still pretty choppy out there. Access our live data from the data buoys for free on the Western Channel Observatory website: www.westernchannelobservatory.org.uk
January 9, 2026 at 12:01 PM
pml.ac.uk
#StormGoretti: we saw a maximum wave height of 12 metres at our E1 data buoy! With winds consistent at around 35–40 mph, and gusts exceeding 60 mph.
January 9, 2026 at 11:58 AM
pml.ac.uk
#StormGoretti: time to batten down the hatches in the #SouthWest, with a red weather warning for #Cornwall and the #IslesOfScilly. Our autonomous data buoys are starting to feel the effects of the storm, with our L4 buoy (about 6 miles south of Plymouth) seeing strong, near-gale winds of 33mph.
January 8, 2026 at 4:24 PM
pml.ac.uk
🍃 More than #BlueCarbon: New research finds that when the full suite of ecosystem services provided by #BlueEcosystems is included, their monetary value increases by 10- to 100-fold beyond #CarbonSequestration alone: 🔗 pml.ac.uk/news/whats-t...

#Carbon #BCEs
What’s the real economic value of blue ecosystems? New research reveals holistic benefits boost value by 10-100x
The paper’s findings are crucial for decision-makers looking to nature-based solutions, to mainstream a holistic value of blue ecosystems beyond carbon
pml.ac.uk
January 8, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Reposted by Plymouth Marine Laboratory
ieo.es
Un equipo del #IEO_CSIC & @pml.ac.uk han analizado el rol del zooplancton en el ciclo de los microplásticos en el océano.

Demuestra que, especialmente los copépodos, procesan y transportan continuamente centenares de estas partículas cada día a través de la columna de agua.

🔗 bit.ly/4svp2bG
January 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
pml.ac.uk
As #SouthAustralia confronts one of its most damaging #HarmfulAlgalBlooms on record, a new project will boost monitoring of #phytoplankton that produce #toxins, early-warning systems and coastal resilience across the Southern Hemisphere 👇 pml.ac.uk/news/joining...
January 7, 2026 at 1:39 PM
pml.ac.uk
"The fear is that 2026 could mark a “tipping point”. These are moments when an ecosystem changes really suddenly, often in a way that can’t easily be undone."

PML's Dr Samantha Garrard writes for The Conversation UK on what the year ahead could mean for #CoralReefs 👇
January 6, 2026 at 1:05 PM
pml.ac.uk
PML's Dr Samantha Garrard writes for The Conversation on what the year ahead could mean for #CoralReefs (facing multiple stressors from #warming, #OceanAcidification, #pollution) & what we must do to help these "biodiversity powerhouses" survive the 21st century: theconversation.com/will-2026-be...
Will 2026 be the year when coral reefs pass their tipping point?
Many coral reefs are already very vulnerable, and another El Niño is forecast.
theconversation.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:04 PM
pml.ac.uk
A new study has, for the first time, recorded & measured just how fast #microplastics move through the gut passage of a key #zooplankton species, revealing #copepods may be moving 100s of plastic particles per cubic metre of seawater down through the water column every day: pml.ac.uk/news/watch-n...
WATCH NOW: Real-time imaging of microplastic gut passage in zooplankton
A new study has, for the first time, recorded and measured just how fast microplastics move through the gut passage of a key zooplankton species in real time – and used those measurements to estimat
pml.ac.uk
January 5, 2026 at 7:27 PM
pml.ac.uk
New year, new career? It's the last chance to apply for these positions at the laboratory, find out more, and make 2026 your year!

Jobs 🔗 pml.ac.uk/working-with...

#PhD Studentships 🔗 pml.ac.uk/Working-with...

#Hiring #Jobs #Plymouth #PhDopportunities #AIjobs #CharityJobs #JobsForGood
January 4, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Reposted by Plymouth Marine Laboratory
geomarkiel.bsky.social
A new study by GEOMAR and Plymouth Marine Laboratory shows that the exchange of gases between air and sea is not symmetric, and that the global ocean has taken up around 15 per cent more CO2 than suggested by conventional estimates.
🔗 www.geomar.de/en/news/arti...
📸 Ming-Xi Yang
December 18, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Reposted by Plymouth Marine Laboratory
sustmeme.com
Latest issue of SustMeme Magazine:
🚜 Investors in AVs bet the #farm;
🌊 Bubble study rethinks #ocean CO2;
🐕 #Microbial protein dog treats;
🧺 Eco #laundry does dirty washing;
🛣️ Carbon-negative #roadbuilding;
♻️ #Resale good fit for #fashion.
Read free: buff.ly/nKzhUKx
@pml.ac.uk @geomarkiel.bsky.social
December 18, 2025 at 1:02 PM
pml.ac.uk
A bit of Christmas cheer was had at the lab yesterday, drawing a reindeer with GPS in the PML Christmas Fun Run!
December 18, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Reposted by Plymouth Marine Laboratory
kerrytaylorsmith.bsky.social
What is nitrification and what role does it play in the ocean’s nitrogen cycle? @pml.ac.uk scientists believe they've solved this mystery. One of my latest for @uk.meteored.com www.yourweather.co.uk/news/science...
Why does nitrification only switch on under certain conditions?
What is nitrification and what role does it play in the ocean’s nitrogen cycle? Scientists believe they have solved this mystery.
www.yourweather.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Reposted by Plymouth Marine Laboratory
sustmeme.com
News: Researchers find ocean may absorb up to 15% more CO2 than thought, challenging assumptions around carbon and climate — story on key study by @pml.ac.uk, with @geomarkiel.bsky.social + @heriotwattuni.bsky.social, on SustMeme Climate & Energy Channel: buff.ly/8S1ObfL
@uniheidelberg.bsky.social
December 17, 2025 at 8:13 AM
pml.ac.uk
#NewStudy from the lab provides evidence that the ocean may have absorbed as much as 15% more #CarbonDioxide than previously thought, requiring a re-think of future #CO2 flux assessments and global #ClimateModels 👇 pml.ac.uk/news/how-bub...
How bubbles may speed up CO2 uptake by the ocean
New study provides evidence that the ocean may have absorbed as much as 15% (0.3-0.4 Pg C yr-1) more CO2 than previously thought, requiring a re-think of future CO2 flux assessments and global climat
pml.ac.uk
December 17, 2025 at 1:19 PM
pml.ac.uk
One year ago today, a routine maintenance trip became a lifesaving mission! After hearing a Mayday call for a missing diver, the PML Explorer crew sprang into action - locating the diver and supporting a safe transfer to the heroes at Plymouth RNLI 👏

🔗 pml.ac.uk/news/mainten...
December 16, 2025 at 11:01 AM
pml.ac.uk
The Antipodean #albatross is declining by 6% each year due to #fishing #bycatch. New international research co-authored by PML shows how ocean currents can predict where risks are highest - enabling targeted action to reduce bycatch & support conservation: pml.ac.uk/news/followi...
Following ocean currents to predict and prevent seabird deaths
A new study seeks to support conservation and management strategies by identifying zones of overlap between fishing and bird activity.
pml.ac.uk
December 15, 2025 at 1:34 PM
pml.ac.uk
We’re proud to be part of the newly launched National Research Organisations Group (@nro-group.bsky.social) - together with 40 UK research centres, we’re working to deliver measurable impact, foster innovation & strengthen resilience. More: pml.ac.uk/news/uks-top...
UK’s top science organisations unite to support national priorities and policy-making
The National Research Organisations (NRO) Group is designed to ensure science-based insight informs decisions and connects major national priorities to improve people’s lives
pml.ac.uk
December 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM
pml.ac.uk
Think the weather has been pretty rough in the #UK lately? Spare a thought for our L4 #AutonomousBuoy, situated about 6 nautical miles south of #Plymouth, which faced some pretty hefty waves from #StormBram yesterday.

#autonomy #MarineAutonomy #DataBuoy
December 10, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Reposted by Plymouth Marine Laboratory
jeromeollier.bsky.social
The shift that sparks nitrification: PML research resolves long-standing mystery within the nitrogen cycle - @pml.ac.uk

pml.ac.uk/news/the-shi...
The shift that sparks nitrification: PML research resolves long-standing mystery within the nitrogen cycle
New PML research has shed light on a long-standing puzzle in marine science: why does nitrification – a key process in the ocean’s nitrogen cycle – only ‘switch on’ under certain conditi
pml.ac.uk
December 9, 2025 at 11:08 PM
pml.ac.uk
Could 2026 be your year? We've added some more new #PhD opportunities to our website, with a total of 12 new incredible studentships across all sorts of disciplines... Check them out here: pml.ac.uk/Working-with...

#PhDopportunity #PhDlife #PhDopportunities
PhD studentships
Plymouth Marine Laboratory conducts multidisciplinary research at the cutting edge of marine science to understand the complex marine environment and helpsolve the challenges it faces.
pml.ac.uk
December 8, 2025 at 7:29 PM
pml.ac.uk
Wonderful to see the launch of 'Antarctica as a Model for Global Peace', featuring PML's Prof Matt Frost. This is a new international publication exploring Antarctica as a model for peaceful, science-driven governance and collaboration. 🔗 agendaantartica.org/peacebook/
December 5, 2025 at 7:23 PM
pml.ac.uk
🎄Have you got your decs up yet? Forget the 'Little Drummer Boy'… meet our Little L4 Buoy! PML’s Marine Technologist Ross Sanders has crafted a miniature version of our L4 #AutonomousBuoy - now proudly sat at the top of the #Christmas tree in the Marine Technology and Autonomy workshop. (1/4)
December 5, 2025 at 6:17 PM