Marine scientists join forces on Ocean Warrior’s Resolute Expeditions

The three Marine Research Plymouth partners are involved in a ground-breaking initiative to demonstrate the importance and feasibility of net zero marine science.

The collaboration will see researchers from the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the University of Plymouth working with Ocean Warrior 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.

Jim McNeill said: "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."

Ocean Warrior will undertake long endurance polar ocean missions using its expedition tall ship, sailing vessel, Linden – Europe’s largest three masted schooner.

Image credit: Ocean Warrior

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, comprising some of the planet’s leading experts in fields including plankton, plastics and ocean monitoring.

Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Director of the University of Plymouth’s Marine Institute, said: “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.”

Professor Michael Cunliffe, Director of Science of the Marine Biological Association, said: “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.”

Icarus Allen, Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory, who joined Ocean Warrior on its Arctic voyage in autumn 2023, said: “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.”