Marine scientists join forces on Ocean Warrior’s Resolute Expeditions

The University is working with organisations across Plymouth to demonstrate the importance and feasibility of net zero marine science
Ocean Warrior will undertake long endurance polar ocean missions using its expedition tall ship, sailing vessel, Linden (Credit: Ocean Warrior)
Ocean Warrior will undertake long endurance polar ocean missions using its expedition tall ship, sailing vessel, Linden (Credit: Ocean Warrior)

The University of Plymouth is working with Ocean Warrior and other marine science organisations across Plymouth on a ground-breaking initiative to demonstrate the importance and feasibility of net zero marine science.
The collaboration – which also involves the Marine Biological Association and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) – aims to provide a platform for the delivery of marine science that will inform international environmental policy.
It is also envisaged the partnership will contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while leaving no environmental impacts.
The Ocean Warrior programme has been developed by explorer Jim McNeill. It seeks to showcase the viability of traditional sail vessels in delivering net zero marine science, and provide a state-of-the-art ocean-going platform for science and innovation delivery as part of a global ocean observing system.
Designed to collect critical scientific measurements from remote areas of the Arctic Ocean in order to build up an improved picture of the changes taking place due to climate change and other factors, it will also help to ‘ground-truth’ data collected via satellites.

Our vision is to raise awareness, educate, and captivate a diverse audience about the vital significance of Earth's extreme environments in humanity's struggle for survival. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower ordinary individuals from all walks of life to take action in addressing the greatest crisis humanity has ever faced – climate change. No previous sailing or expedition experience is necessary as full certificated training is provided.

Jim McNeill
Explorer and founder of Ocean Warrior
Ocean Warrior will undertake long endurance polar ocean missions using its expedition tall ship, sailing vessel, Linden – Europe’s largest three masted schooner.
Travelling to seldom-visited areas of the Ocean each year between June and October, it intends to collect data on a range of key ‘indicators’ – in areas such as water quality, plankton, eDNA, salinity and ocean acidity.
This will help scientists gain a clearer understanding of the pace of changes taking place, their impacts on marine ecosystems, and what the future may hold for the Arctic region and the wildlife, populations and economies which depend upon it.
By collaborating with organisations across Plymouth, the project is connecting with the UK’s largest cluster of marine science researchers and cutting-edge facilities. Working together as Marine Research Plymouth, it comprises some of the planet’s leading experts in fields including plankton, plastics and ocean monitoring.

If we are to innovate for the future health of our ocean, we need to fully understand the impacts of our actions on the planet. Working with Ocean Warrior will enable us to generate critical data, while minimising our impact in the regions we are studying and ultimately seeking to protect. It is an exciting collaboration that has the clear potential to benefit all involved.

Richard Thompson OBE FRSProfessor Richard Thompson OBE FRS
Director of the Marine Institute

Plymouth has a long and rich history in scientific exploration of the polar regions. The MBA was involved in three famous Antarctic expeditions of the period 1901-15 and we continue to study in this region today. Ocean Warrior will create the platform for continuing this work, allowing wider access for all to take part in exploring some of the most critical ecosystems on our planet.

Michael CunliffeProfessor Michael Cunliffe
Professor of Marine Microbiology, and Director of Science of the Marine Biological Association

PML is delighted to be a scientific partner with Ocean Warrior and are extremely excited about the prospect of delivering responsible net zero research. To support a sustainable future for the Ocean we need to be in a position to monitor the changes which are happening. Ocean Warrior will be a valuable addition to this pursuit and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can develop the project over the years ahead.

Professor Icarus Allen
Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory 
 

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Marine Research Plymouth

The University of Plymouth, the Marine Biological Association and Plymouth Marine Laboratory have joined forces to launch Marine Research Plymouth.
Collectively hosting the largest number of marine scientists in any UK city – and the greatest number of undergraduate and postgraduate marine students anywhere in the country – the partnership aims to cement the city's place as the UK's go-to location for marine and ocean science.
Marine Research Plymouth will encourage joint investment in research appointments and support the sharing of capabilities, equipment and facilities. It will also ensure Plymouth is even better-placed to attract further funding for initiatives that can advance knowledge and understanding of the oceans.
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