Marine sciences research
Explore our work in marine sciences, one of our areas of expertise in Biological Sciences
From climate change to over-fishing and pollution, we're exploiting our oceans in ways that aren't sustainable. With our oceans increasingly under threat, our Marine Sciences research is working to improve the marine environment for future generations, and make marine activities sustainable.
Marine researchers are at the forefront of international marine projects, from the molecular to the ecosystem and community level. In collaboration with scientists and industry from difference disciplines around the world, our research addresses some of the key environmental issues that we face in marine science, as well as advancing our knowledge of biological processes in marine ecosystems.
The overarching focus of our research is the interaction of humans with the marine environment, across a range of ecosystems and habitats – from tropical mangroves to intertidal soft sediments and even the polar regions, but with particular emphasis on coastal areas.
Our research is working to tackle pressing global issues, such as climate change, conservation and ocean acidification. We're addressing pollution, aquaculture, over-fishing and invasive species, and looking at marine governance.
Our research covers these topics:
- Animal behaviour
- Aquaculture
- Biotechnology and biofuels
- Cetaceans
- Climate change
- Coral reef ecology
- Fisheries protection
- Impacts of pollutants (e.g. metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics)
- Marine conservation and restoration
- Mangrove ecology
- Marine microbiology
- Marine aquarium trade
- Ocean acidification
- Underwater video and remote sensing
Funders and collaborations
Within the Institute of Marine Sciences, collaborate with international research institutions, Universities, Government Agencies, local stakeholders, Non-Governmental Organisations, and industry.
Recent projects have received funding from major funding organisations, including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Research Councils UK, the European Union, the Leverhulme Trust, the Environment Agency, and Natural England.
Recent publications
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Chronic exposure to copper and zinc induces DNA damage in the polychaete Alitta virens and the implications for future toxicity of coastal sites
Environmental Pollution, 2018, DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.091, Dr Gordon Watson, Pini, J. M. & Richir, J.
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Monetary evaluation of marine reserve ecosystem services in the Caribbean
National Accounting Review, Volume 1, Issue 1, pages 3–15, 2019, Professor Pierre Failler, Montocchio, C., Binet, T., Borot de Battisti, A. & Marechal, J-P.
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Active management is required to turn the tide for depleted Ostrea edulis stocks from the effects of overfishing, disease and invasive species
PeerJ. Volume 7, Issue 26 p. e6431, 2019, Luke David Helmer, Farrell, P., Hendy, I., Harding, S., Robertson, M. & Dr Joanne Preston
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Kleptopredation: a mechanism to facilitate planktivory in a benthic mollusc
Biology Letters. 13, 20170447, 2017, Dr Trevor John Willis, Berglof, K., McGill, R., Musco, L., Piraino, S., Rumsey, C., Vega Fernandez, T. & Badalamenti, F.
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The oceans are changing: impact of ocean warming and acidification on biofouling communities
Biofouling, 2019, Dobretsov, S., Coutinho, R., Rittschof, D., Dr Maria Salta, Dr Federica Ragazzola & Hellio, C.
Staff
Discover our areas of expertise
Marine Sciences is 1 of 6 areas of expertise within our Biological Sciences research. Explore the others below.
Biodiversity and Evolution
We're cataloging new species, and creating a basis for assessing and reversing the extinction of species. Explore our biodiversity and evolution research.
Epigenetics and developmental biology
We explore new ways to treat genetic disorders, identifying novel targets for drugs and searching for advances in treatment that could impact the lives of millions.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Monitoring
We're examining how humans impact ecosystems, and developing new ways to assess and counteract our impact on the environment.
Environmental microbiology and biotechnology
We're searching for new antibiotics and other important enzymes and molecules – and developing the new technology needed to harness microbes for human benefit.
Molecular Biophysics
We're exploring the composition, function & behaviour of biomolecules so they can have societally, industrially and medically useful functions. Explore our molecular biophysics research.
Research groups
Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences
We're exploring disciplinary boundaries to discover, understand and develop knowledge for the benefit of the environment and humankind.
Marine biology research group
The University of Portsmouth is researching key environmental issues in marine science such as climate change, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and ocean acidification.
Interested in a PhD in Biological Sciences?
Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Biological Sciences postgraduate research degrees page.
News, blogs and podcasts
Find our more about our latest research successes, read blogs by our academics and listen to the latest ideas and discoveries that look set to change our lives in our Life Solved podcast.
Sustainability and the Environment Blog
Discover insights that could improve the future of our planet, including fast fashion, marine conservation and the fight against climate change.
