Scientists at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) were delighted to welcome a United Nations Senior Advisor to its headquarters in Plymouth.
Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor on Oceans to the UN Global Compact visited marine biologists from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey to learn more about the pioneering plankton research being conducted at the MBA.
With the help of experts, Vincent is hoping to develop a plankton manifesto – a visionary document outlining how plankton can contribute to deliver on the sustainable development goals.
The document which will be created thanks to plankton experts from all over the world, includes contributions from David Johns, Director of Research Facilities and the CPR Survey at the MBA.
Vincent visited the CPR laboratory to get in depth knowledge of the Survey, which is one of the most geographically extensive marine monitoring programmes in the world.
A tour of the facilities included an introduction to the iCPR Project, which aims to revolutionise monitoring capabilities using modern sensing technology and artificial intelligence.
Dr Dan Smale, who leads a research group on the impact of climate change and other stressors on coastal ecosystems also discussed the importance of seaweed research with Vincent.
The visit was completed with a tour of the new Marine Microbiome Centre of Excellence with Director of Science Professor Michael Cunliffe.
Earlier in the week Vincent delivered a talk on Seaweed as a solution at the House of Commons.
