GCRF Blue Communities Research Programme -

Please note: due to the completion of the project, this website is now in archive status. Visit the new Blue Communities legacy website here for final outputs and any future updates.

26 July 2021

Blue Communities researchers have been successful in securing a share of £9.2 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to investigate how to safeguard the future of the UK’s marine and coastal economy whilst also protecting marine ecosystems.

Mevagissey. Image courtesy of Dr Louisa Evans, University of Exeter

Out of the six funded projects that make up the five-year research programme called the Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources, two are being led by Blue Communities partner organisations and involve many Blue Communities participants.

Sustainable Development and Resilience of UK Coastal Communities (ROCC)
Led by Dr Louisa Evans, University of Exeter

This project aims to investigate and strengthen the resilience, wellbeing and sustainability of UK coastal communities and will focus on diverse marine sectors in Devon and Cornwall to develop evidence, tools and partnerships applicable to the rest of the UK.

Marine Spatial Planning Addressing Climate Effects (MSPACE)
Led by Dr Ana Queiros, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

This project will drive forward the capability of the four UK nations in designing and implementing climate-smart marine spatial plans by bringing together world-leading expertise in climate modelling analyses, social and economic research, in a project co-developed with UK’s industry and policy communities.

This is one of the many examples of the Blue Communities team establishing and nurturing strong, lasting relationships that promise to provide beneficial collaborations, now and in the future, not only to the researchers themselves and their organisation but also at national and international levels.

Investing in a sustainable future for our coastal economies (UKRI announcement)

Sustainable Development and Resilience of UK Coastal Communities (ROCC)

Marine Spatial Planning Addressing Climate Effects (MSPACE)

Safeguarding the future of marine and coastal economies whilst also protecting marine ecosystems

26 July 2021

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