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Science and monitoring

Defra is responsible for funding, commissioning and managing research relating to the marine environment. We also co-ordinate research with other sponsors of scientific work in the UK, including the EU.

Image of men sorting a catch on a boat. Cefas photo libraryFor further information on Defra's role as a funder of scientific work, see Defra’s role in marine science (PDF 1MB) and also the science pages.

The four themes in the marine research programme and the key policy drivers which have shaped them are set out in Defra’s marine research programme (PDF 879KB). You can also read the review (PDF 1.1MB) which led to the new structure for the marine research programme.

For more information on the work of the Marine and Fisheries Science Unit, please contact Muriel Alcindor, Tel: 020 7238 4692 or email marinescience@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Science and monitoring

In order for Defra to address pressing marine issues and set future priorities it is necessary undertake effective science and monitoring. Without these activities we cannot improve our understanding of the marine environment and our impact upon it.

How do we achieve this?

In order to satisfy Defra's policy needs we commission a number of scientific and monitoring activities and initiatives. The most recent of these are listed below.

  • UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy
    Safeguarding Our Seas committed the UK to an ecosystem approach to the management of the marine environment. The report Charting Progress concluded that current monitoring programmes were insufficient for this purpose. An exercise is currently underway to look at ways in which the strategy for marine monitoring within the UK might be re-shaped.

  • Charting Progress - an Integrated Assessment of the State of UK Seas and Charting Progress  2 – the Second Integrated Assessment of the State of UK Seas
    This report illustrates the extent to which the seas around the UK meet the goal of being sustainable, healthy and productive. Where necessary management requirements are identified in order to achieve these goals.
    Efforts are currently under way to produce a second UK State of the Seas report in 2010 ensuring alignment to other key marine environmental reporting initiatives (e.g. OSPAR 2010 Quality Status Reports and the initial assessment required by 2012 under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive).
  • The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN)
    MEDIN is a collaborative and open partnership of organisations who both use and generate marine data. For more information about MEDIN see www.oceannet.org/ or contact Dave Cotton (dcott@bodc.ac.uk).
  • Surveys to help protect submerged habitats and heritage
    You can find out here about the surveys Defra is funding to develop a better understanding of Britain's submerged habitat and heritage in areas of sand and gravel extraction.
  • Marine Science Co-ordination Committee
    This Committee, with members drawn from across Government, Devolved Administrations and UK public marine science providers, is developing a UK Marine Science Strategy. The MSCC web-site is being developed, until then this site will be used to keep you updated on MSCC matters.
  • Marine Fisheries Science Yearbooks
    The Yearbooks highlight a range of marine fisheries science projects to illustrate the work Defra funded from April 2006 to March 2009.
  • Fisheries Challenge Fund
    The Fund supports short-term scientific projects, as well as economic and social projects, suggested by organisations with an interest in fisheries. You can find out here how to bid for projects and read project reports.
  • Marine Fisheries Science Advisory Group
    This Group advises Defra on priorities for its future sustainable marine fisheries research programme. You can read notes of meetings and presentations here.

Page last modified: 30 October 2008
Page published: 14 December 2007