A Cornwall wave taken with the camera partially submerged in the water. The shallow water shows a rocky sea bed with algae, while a brilliant blue sky can be seen above the crashing wave.

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.

Our research and reports highlight evidence-based solutions to regenerate our ocean. Many of our reports are annual, providing highly relevant data and effective longer-term comparisons.

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.

Beachwatch reports

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.

Wildlife sightings reports

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 volunteers, help us understand the changing state of our seas and the impact of the climate crisis.

Seaweed science

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.

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.

Policy publications

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.

Community project success