Research and reports

From position and policy statements to findings from our citizen science projects, our research and reports highlight evidence-based solutions to bring life back to our ocean.

    From position statements and policy papers on ocean issues to findings from our citizen science projects that illustrate the state of our seas, our research and reports highlight evidence-based solutions to bring life back to our ocean.  

     

    Citizen science reports

    The State of our Beaches  

    Our annual Beachwatch report paints a clear picture of the amount and types of pollution found on our coasts. It reveals year-on-year changes, new dangers and what needs to be done to reduce different litter types. The data that volunteers collect on their beach cleans informs this report, with the findings used as evidence to influence governments and policies across the UK.  

     

    A beach cleaner walks with her back to the camera on a rocky UK beach with the sea to her left.. From the clear blue sky and her sleeveless clothing, it looks like a beautiful UK summer day.

    A beach cleaner on a rocky UK beach  |  Image credit: Rose Bainbridge

    The latest jellyfish and turtle trends 

    Discover what species were spotted in UK and Irish waters, where, and how populations are changing year-on-year in our annual Wildlife Sightings report. The sightings from our supporters feed into this report and help us better understand how species are using our waters, analyse trends, and inform research to help protect them.  

    A compass jellyfish swimming near the surface of clear blue water, it is being partially reflected back from the surface making it seem like the surface is a mirror

    Compass jellyfish  |  Image credit: Alison Pettitt

    Seaweed populations around the UK 

    In partnership with the Natural History Museum, Our Big Seaweed Search builds a brilliant report on the most commonly spotted species of seaweed on beaches across the UK. The findings, submitted by our wonderful volunteers, help us understand the changing state of our seas and the impact of the climate crisis.

     

    A group of seven adults seaweed search in rock pools at Rottingdean Beach.

    Seaweed searching at Rottingdean Beach  |  Image credit: NHM London

    Where we stand: Position Statements

    Find out where we stand on key marine issues such as PFAS (‘forever chemicals’), microplastics and microfibres with our position statements. 

    Different types of plastic including bags, cups and straws are pictured under the ocean, highlighting the plastic pollution problem

    The plastic problem  |  Image credit: Rich Carey | Shutterstock

    Influencing governments 

    We’re shaping policies across the UK through our advocacy work to drive positive change for our seas. Read our responses to the latest government consultations, such as introducing Deposit Return Schemes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan 

     

    Westminster at sunset taken from the bank across the Thames. The sky is a stunning purple pink and an ornate lamp is lit in the foreground.

    Westminster at sunset  |  Image credit: Yaopey Yong

    Project learnings 

    Explore the impacts, findings and takeaways from our projects, such as the social and cultural benefits coastal communities gain from the sea / the value of the sea to coast communities’ wellbeing, relationships and culture, and our work to grow ocean literacy and connection in northeast Wales.  

    A young girl in a yellow coat holding up a stone. A teacher is standing behind her looking at a form. They are situated on a beach.

    A One Ocean Roadshow event in Scarborough  |  Image credit: John Westgarth