BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance® is preparing to launch two new marine research projects that will strengthen understanding of ocean biodiversity and microplastic pollution. Scientists from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), together with colleagues from Subsea7 and Seaway7, recently met in Zoetermeer, Netherlands to develop plans for the initiatives, which are expected to begin within the next year.
The projects aim to generate new scientific knowledge that can support environmental monitoring and sustainable ocean management across the offshore sector while strengthening collaboration between industry and research organisations.
One of the projects will focus on environmental DNA (eDNA), often described as a biological ‘fingerprint’ left behind by marine life in seawater. By analysing genetic material collected from water samples, scientists can identify which species have been present in an area without the need for direct observation. The approach offers a powerful and non-invasive tool for monitoring marine biodiversity, improving detection of rare or hard-to-observe species and tracking ecosystem changes over time.
A second project will investigate the distribution and environmental influence of microplastics in the marine environment. Researchers will examine how microplastics interact with oceanographic processes and whether they influence measurements of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), while improving understanding of their sources, transport pathways and potential impacts on marine ecosystems. The findings are expected to contribute to a growing body of knowledge on one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the world’s oceans.
During the visit, NOC Scientist Andrew Gates also hosted a ‘lunch and learn’ session for Seaway7 staff, highlighting several ongoing BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance® initiatives, including the Eyes in the Ocean programme, which uses offshore infrastructure to support large-scale observations of marine biodiversity
Commenting on the partnership, Seaway7’s CCO, Harke Jan Meek said: “Our collaboration with BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance® and NOC continues to evolve, and this session reinforced the importance of working closely to achieve concrete goals”.
The visit highlighted the growing collaboration between the National Oceanography Centre, Subsea7 and Seaway7, and their shared commitment to advancing ocean science through innovative partnerships. By combining scientific expertise with operational experience, the organisations are helping to develop new approaches for understanding and protecting the marine environment.
As these projects move into delivery, they are expected to contribute important new insights into marine biodiversity monitoring, microplastic pollution and sustainable ocean management, further demonstrating the value of industry-science collaboration in addressing global marine challenges.
