Our Mission: To inspire everyone to take action towards sustainability and conservation of the marine environment.

[ Tell me more... ]

Since opening in 1997, the National Marine Aquarium has been involved in numerous projects from research into animal behaviour and captive breeding to conservation and public awareness initiatives. These projects almost always involve working with partners whether they be university students, schools, other institutions or individuals. Through the strength gained from these partnerships, and in particular our membership of the Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership, the Aquarium is now in a position to lead a significant programme aimed at empowering UK citizens to Enjoy, Learn and Care about UK Seas.

UK seas are under increasing pressure from fisheries, habitat destruction, pollution and the effects of climate change. As an island nation, our lives in the UK are intimately linked with the surrounding seas and the seas have the potential to enrich all our lives. The current pressure of human activity is adversely affecting the health of our seas, apathy and disengagement will only increase this. Conservation activity comes from motivated and well-informed individuals and collectives determined to make a change. The first step in conservation behaviour is engagement – Project SeaUK will examine ways in which we can all enjoy our seas, how we can learn about the marine environment and ultimately, how actively caring attitudes and behaviours can result.

Project SeaUK will, over the next five years, develop our understanding of UK marine species, investigate the relationships between people and the seas and carry out monitoring that will enable future generations to better predict the effects of inevitable environmental change.

Most importantly, Project SeaUK is “Science for All” – we aim to bring marine science closer to the public through effective communication and engaging programmes. Marine science is interesting, fun, relevant and accessible – Project SeaUK is the proof.