research at sea

Do deep-sea fish migrate?

The DELOS project is well matched with the NOC’s deep-ocean observation programme.

The first documented seasonal migrations of fish across the deep-sea floor has been revealed in research published today, involving NOC authors.

New insights into the transportation of microplastics across the deep seafloor

Diagram from the research paper

National Oceanography Centre (NOC) research has revealed for the first time how submarine sediment avalanches can transport microplastics from land into the deep ocean. The study also revealed that these flows are responsible for sorting different types of microplastics – burying some, and moving others vast distances across the sea floor. 

Subtropical expedition will help forecast UK weather

RRS Discovery leaving on May 15

To improve long-term understanding of weather and global environmental change, the Royal Research Ship Discovery is leaving Southampton tomorrow for a six week expedition to the Bahamas.

A Year of Discovery – unlocking the secrets of the shelf seas

RRS Discovery

The Royal Research Ship Discovery has completed her first year of research. Over a series of nine research expeditions, scientists studied the seasonal events taking place in UK shelf waters throughout the year. The vessel, procured by the Natural Environment Research Council for UK science is the latest in marine technology.

Understanding how critical elements are formed in the deep ocean

NOC’s Dr Bramley Murton preparing for a dive mission

UK and Brazilian scientists will be working together to study the formation of critical ocean minerals essential for new technology – particularly environmental technology such as photovoltaic cells.

Omega-3 is vital for a healthy ocean

The Calanus copepod (image: Daniel Mayor)

A new study published this week in Nature Scientific Reports reveals the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for the health of the ocean.

‘Flying Spaghetti Monster’

Bathyphysa conifera, Image: SERPENT Project © 2003–15

The NOC’s Daniel Jones identified this bizarre looking marine creature as a Siphonophore. It belongs to a group of aquatic animals that include corals and jellyfish, some specimens have reached lengths of 40m!

Frozen sea samples link climate, chemistry and carbon

Map of sampled areas

Thousands of sea water samples are being collected by research vessels around the British Isles as part of an 18 month study of how much carbon dioxide is taken up (and released) in UK waters.

Scientists examine mysterious tar mounds in the West African deep ocean

A blobfish hiding behind an asphalt mound

More than two thousand mounds of asphalt harbouring a wealth of deep-water creatures have been discovered up to two kilometres deep, off the coast of Angola.

Pioneering study determines the contribution of the Weddell Gyre to the Meridional Overturning Circulation

The ANDREX team approach the subantarctic island of South Georgia onboard the RRS James Cook

The first study of its kind to quantify the role of the Weddell Gyre in closing the southern limb of the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) has been conducted by an international team led by scientists based at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton.