Each year we strive to learn more by posing a set of research questions that support the aims of our Research Policy (click to read)
Whether you are a student, a research institute, NGO, SME or large business looking to partner with us on a research project, take a look at the list of questions below and contact us on the email below to discuss your ideas further research@oceanconservationtrust.org.
Project proposals that do not fall into the key areas of research above will be considered if they are felt to be of clear benefit to our research policy aims.
The following list has been complied for research aims in 2024:
Husbandry Research
- Turtle conditioning for improved welfare practises
- Different methods of culturing macroalgae
- Long term evaluation of flow rates both supposed and actual in large exhibits
- Comparison of seawater in Queen Anne’s Battery, the borehole and salt water reservoir
- Zooplankton culture and live food protocols
- Assessment of pros and cons of the use of lanthanum chloride in the control of phosphate and turbidity (Ongoing)
- Effect of anthropogenic noise on behaviour and/or welfare
Seagrass Research
- Aiming to find the optimum conditions for growing Zostera marina from seed. We will be experimenting with changing substrate, light, temperature, water flow and nutrients
- Quantify photosynthetic rates during initial growth of Zostera marina
- Identify the pathogens found in UK Zostera marina populations and working to mitigate this
- Restore 4 hectares of Zostera marina beds, through two mechanisms for seed planting, including packing 40,000 bags
Human Dimension of Conservation Research
Behaviour Change
- How to embed #thinkocean into behaviour change programmes
- Longitudinal study of impacts of the National Marine Aquarium on members of the public and ex-staff on pro-environmental behaviours
Education
- VR in the classroom
- Evaluating best practice in online ‘formal’ Ocean learning
- The use of character, dress and drama in communicating about the Ocean with young children
- Understanding the mid-term and lasting impacts of pro-Ocean experiences with students in the classroom
Public and Community
- Evaluation of success of online engagement with variety of audiences
- Community connections with the Ocean/National Marine Park
- Does a visit to an aquarium increase connectedness to nature or nature relatedness and, if so, does this influence:
- Emotional and/or psychological well-being?
- Pro-environmental behaviour?
Ocean Literacy
- Currently open to accept potential research projects on this subject.
UN Decade programme
- Currently open to accept potential research projects on this subject.
Contact us at research@oceanconservationtrust.org to discuss your ideas further