ExeterMarine

28/08/2026

Calling all those who care about our seas! 🌊🚨

The Wildlife Trusts are in the process of developing a major new initiative aimed at marine recovery across the south of England, to restore wildlife and habitats, as well as the sustainable job opportunities these have traditionally given our coastal communities.

It would really help them (and marine nature!) if you could spare a few minutes to complete their survey to tell them about the coastal areas, species or activities that matter most to you, and what you'd like to see them tackle as part of the programme - and you might just win their £100 prize too by doing so!

Find the survey link in the comments.

13/08/2026

New research analysing 175 necropsies of stranded common dolphins in Cornwall between 2018-2024 showed that in 39% of cases bycatch in fishing nets was the cause of death.

Although the impacts of bycatch are detrimental to cetaceans, bycatch is, by definition, accidental. Many local fishers are not currently permitted to access affordable, practical mitigation technology, such as acoustic deterrent devices, that could reduce accidental dolphin deaths.

Findings underline the need for improved fisheries monitoring and management and wider access to such technology, alongside continued collaboration between scientists, policymakers, conservationists, and the fishing industry to better protect dolphins in UK waters.

➡️ Read the Exeter press release here - https://news.exeter.ac.uk/research-networks/exeter-marine/fishing-nets-main-cause-of-death-among-cornwalls-stranded-common-dolphins/
➡️ Full paper - https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03937

University of Exeter Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network ZSL

29/07/2026

27/07/2026

What do you know about bluefin tuna in UK waters? 🐟

One thing we don’t know is what they migrate here to feed on... and that’s what the new Feeding the Comeback project is seeking to find out!

This week, we’re excited to share some of the project media and early results - stay tuna-ed (sorry...) for more!

Swipe through these wonderful infographic slides created by Rebecca McDonald Studios and Phyllida Bluemel to learn more about why this project is necessary and what the project team has found so far.

16/07/2026

Big news for England’s sharks! 🦈🦈

We're excited to share that University of Exeter researchers have secured almost £1 million in funding from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme to help protect England's most vulnerable pelagic sharks: blue, porbeagle, and tope sharks.

Over the next three years, the research team will work alongside the Angling Trust, the Marine Biological Association, the Pat Smith Database, and angling communities across England, to build the most complete picture yet of these shark species in English waters.

Find out more - https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/university-of-exeter-scientists-awarded-nearly-1-million-to-protect-englands-sharks/

02/07/2026

We are so thrilled to be ranked 4th in the world for SGD14: Life Below Water by Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026.

This is a huge achievement which recognises the University’s commitment to conserving marine ecosystems. 🤩🐢🩵

19/06/2026

Exciting job opportunity with Cornwall Council! 🌊
Application deadline: midnight, Sunday 5th July. ⏰

This role will lead on ground-breaking marine environment initiatives, supporting the recovery of nature across land, rivers, and seas, with a particular focus on our marine and coastal environments.

The role will lead on a number of high-profile and innovative projects, including:
🔵 Delivery of the Marine Nature Recovery Framework
🔵 Contribution to the Fal Rivers to Reef source-to-sea programme
🔵 A feasibility study into a potential National Marine Park (as part of a national pilot)
🔵 Supporting outcomes from the Healthy Rivers and Seas Summit
🔵 Seagrass and maerl restoration initiatives
🔵 Partnership working on the Blue Stewardship project led by Cornwall Wildlife Trust

To apply, visit - https://ehgv.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/700004680

To find out more about Cornwall's Nature Recovery work, visit - https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/hub-page/nature-recovery

18/06/2026

Côte d’Ivoire has committed to creating six new Marine Protected Areas by 2030, expanding its network to seven MPAs and protecting 10% of its coastal ecosystems.

Researchers from University of Exeter are working alongside local NGO ONG Conservation des Espèces Marines to support the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition, through the Directorate for the Protection of Nature (DPN) in developing the scientific evidence underpinning the network.

The proposed network protects some of the country’s most important marine and coastal ecosystems, from turtle nesting beaches to rich biodiversity areas in the open ocean.

Find out more (full press release available in English and French) - https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-environment-science-and-economy/cote-divoire-announces-network-of-marine-protected-areas/