Defra is responsible for funding, commissioning and managing research relating to the marine environment to build a strong evidence base for current and future policies nationally and internationally. We also co-ordinate research with other sponsors of scientific work in the UK, and the EU, see Defra’s role in marine science (PDF 1MB)

Our work is guided by the UK Marine Science Strategy (PDF 3MB) and Defra’s Evidence Investment Strategy. Following a review (PDF 1.1MB), Defra’s marine research programme (PDF 880KB) sets out the themes in the programme and the key policy drivers which have shaped them. You can find out more about research projects on the science pages.

The Marine Fisheries Science Advisory Group advises Defra on priorities for its future sustainable marine fisheries research programme. The interests of scientists, the fishing industry, consumers, recreational anglers, conservation and environmental organisations are all represented on the group. You can read presentations from meetings on Defra’s archive. For more information on the Advisory Group’s 2010 meeting or Defra’s marine science, email: marinescience@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Marine science yearbooks

The Marine Science Yearbook 2010/11 (PDF) lists all current marine biodiversity, marine environment and marine fisheries projects plus those completed in 2010/11. Examples of projects from each of the marine science themes are below. We are not printing copies of the 2010/11 Yearbook.

Spotlight on:

• Economic and social research in the marine environment (PDF)
• Human pressures and impacts on the marine environment (PDF)
• State of the marine environment (PDF)
• Science for integrated marine management (PDF)

The Marine Science Yearbook 2009/10 (PDF 1.6MB) covers all our marine research, bringing together projects on marine biodiversity, the marine environment and marine fisheries. Twelve projects, illustrating the range of our research, are reported in the yearbook and all projects completed in 2009/10 and current projects are listed.

You can also read the Marine Environment Science Yearbook (PDF 1.6MB) which highlights a range of marine biodiversity and marine environment projects to illustrate the research Defra funded from April 2008 to March 2009 and the Marine fisheries science yearbooks for 2008/09, 2007/08 and the 2006/07.

Using the codes in the lists of projects in the Yearbooks, you can search the science pages to find more information on the marine environment science projects and the sustainable marine fisheries science projects.

Marine science events

You can find out about events in the UK Marine Science Events Calendar