Plymouth Marine Laboratory is a global, independent academic institution which specializes in delivering pioneering research and relevant knowledge exchange to address the many complex challenges facing the marine environment and ultimately society. Partner and key player in many large national and international environmental research programmes, PML serves a range of clients including Research Councils UK, government departments and agencies, industry, the European Union and space agencies. On average PML collaborates with 250 industrial, academic and governmental partners from 50 countries each year.

PML is a designated National Capability Delivery Partner for the Natural Environment Research Council, providing a strategic research capability in marine science for the UK.  Capabilities include data collection and analysis, field and laboratory experiments, environmental impact assessment, satellite observation, ecosystem modelling, method and tool development, socio-economic evaluation, programme co-ordination, policy advice, capacity building and science communication.