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The NC (National Conservation) initiative is dedicated to preserving and studying marine environments critical to the health of our oceans. In this context, NC focuses on pelagic ecosystems—those vast open-sea areas essential for marine biodiversity and ecosystem balance. By monitoring these regions, NC aims to support long-term conservation efforts and provide valuable data for sustainable management.
mNCEA stands for the Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment, a framework developed to evaluate the value and health of marine ecosystems. Within the PelCap project, mNCEA provides critical guidelines and standards to ensure that conservation efforts are informed by robust, science-based assessments of marine resources and ecosystem services. This approach helps align PelCap with broader national and international conservation goals.
Plankton, the tiny drifting organisms in the sea, play an outsized role in the health of marine ecosystems. Unlike other marine life, plankton are at the foundation of the food web, supporting everything from small fish to large marine mammals. Plankton also contribute to carbon cycling and oxygen production, making them vital not only for marine life but also for the planet’s climate. This study focuses on plankton to understand their unique role and how environmental changes impact them—and the ecosystems they support.
This project is made possible through funding from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), which supports efforts to protect the UK’s marine environments. With DEFRA’s support, PelCap conducts research on pelagic ecosystems, monitors biodiversity, and assesses environmental impacts to inform policy and conservation strategies. The project aims to produce actionable insights to protect marine resources for future generations.
Explore how the PelCap program monitors vital marine ecosystems. Discover maps of our project sites, learn about our methods, and dive into the latest reports tracking changes across UK waters. Stay informed on the ongoing efforts to protect our pelagic zones.
Understand the importance of nutrient dynamics and plankton blooms in marine health. Learn about nutrient sources, the impact of freshwater plumes, and how eutrophication affects ocean life. Discover the science behind these crucial elements of marine ecosystems.
Delve into the complex world of food webs and fisheries. See how interconnected marine life sustains pelagic ecosystems and how sustainable management supports healthy food chains. Gain insights into the balance between biodiversity and fisheries.
Discover the immense value of plankton in our oceans and the planet as a whole. Learn how these microscopic organisms are the foundation of marine food webs, contribute to global oxygen production, and play a crucial role in carbon cycling. Explore why protecting and understanding plankton is essential for sustaining marine biodiversity and combating climate change.