Newcastle University

Marine

'Through our focus on marine research, we are aiming to foster collaboration between different disciplines and, in partnership with end-users, find solutions to the sustainable exploitation of our oceans.'

Theme Coordinator: Tony Clare, School of Marine Science and Technology

www.ncl.ac.uk/marinenewcastle

Our seas and oceans occupy more than two-thirds of the world’s surface and, by 2020, more than four billion people - or around 75 per cent of the global population - are expected to live within the world’s coastal zones. At Newcastle University, we are actively working to promote the management and long-term sustainability of the marine environment. Access to cutting edge technology, such as our combined wind, wave and current-testing facilities, means we are uniquely placed to lead the development of offshore renewable energy technologies.

Through our diverse range of interdisciplinary research projects, we are leading the way in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing marine environmental systems in the 21st century in areas including:

Environmental Systems
Research at Newcastle University has led directly to solutions to environmental problems such as the treatment of ballast water to prevent the transfer of invasive species and pathogens, and restoration techniques to enhance the recovery of impacted coral reefs. We are also contributing to understanding and predicting future climate change patterns.

Governance, Management and Planning
Our research is providing decision-makers with the scientific information that enables them to manage and plan effectively for coastal communities living with environmental and socio-economic changes.

Ocean and Coastal Resources
We are pioneering the farming of novel marine species for food and bioenergy production, and developing and promoting sustainable fishing practices worldwide. Newcastle University is also a world leader in the development of novel medicines from the sea, such as using seaweed extracts to address obesity and the use of marine biochemicals to prevent tooth decay.

Technology
Novel technological developments for the sustainable use of the seas, such as low carbon shipping and clean ballast water solutions, are addressing environmental protection and sustainability, while beneath the ocean surface, bio-inspired technological improvements in subsea exploration are helping to prevent damage to the marine environment.

For further information, email sustainability@ncl.ac.uk.