ExeterMarine

21/10/2026

A new report from Greenpeace UK has revealed that at the current rate of progress, it could take 265 YEARS to fully protect 30% of the world’s ocean.

For highly migratory Atlantic species, such as leatherback turtles and humpback whales, the report highlights a potential solution – a network of 17 fully protected ocean sanctuaries across the Atlantic high seas could shield over 35% of identified danger zones where leatherbacks risk being killed by industrial fishing.

Researchers from the University of Exeter and the Wilkes Atlantic Leatherback Turtle Alliance contributed to the leatherback turtle research informing this crucial report, which highlights how protecting connected ocean habitats is essential to safeguarding this species. The proposed sanctuary network would protect vital migration routes and help reduce the threats faced by leatherbacks and other migratory species, but with no fully or highly protected areas currently in the Atlantic high seas, urgent action is still needed.

Read the full report here -https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Well-Connected-report-FINAL.pdf

14/09/2026

Join us for an exciting talk this World Manta Day!

Manta and devil rays are some of the most enigmatic animals in our oceans, but how much do we really know about their lives beneath the surface? Join marine biologist and PhD researcher Jess Haines for a rare opportunity to look into the secret lives of manta and devil rays.

Jess has worked with the Manta Trust since 2018, spending five years living and working in the Maldives as a Project Manager in Raa Atoll. While working with the world's largest population of reef manta rays, she developed a passion for protecting manta pups and answering some of the many questions about their early life stage, particularly how they use nursery habitats.

Drawing on her experiences in the field, Jess will share stories from some of her favourite manta encounters and take you into the world of mobulids, exploring what makes these animals so extraordinary, the threats they face, and what is being done to protect them.

📅 Thursday 17th September
⏰ 12.15-12.45pm,
📍 Old Chapel Lecture Theatre, Penryn Campus

Get your term off to an exciting start - all students and staff welcome to join! 🌊

09/09/2026

Will you be in New York for Climate Week? 🌍🌊

Join Exeter Marine for Planet Under Pressure: Protecting Our Ocean, a special event taking place in New York during one of the world's most important weeks for climate discussion and action.

The evening will bring together experts from the University of Exeter and Convex Insurance to explore some of the biggest challenges facing our ocean, including marine biodiversity loss, the implementation of the High Seas Treaty, the role of ocean carbon stores in tackling climate change, and innovative approaches to reducing fisheries bycatch.

We look forward to welcoming alumni, supporters, partners and friends who share our passion for a healthier ocean and a more sustainable future.

📅 Tues 22nd September
⏰ 6:30-8:30pm
📍 1 Hotel Central Park, 1414 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Convex Seascape Survey

09/09/2026

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

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.

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