Plymouth has always been a maritime city of world importance, but in recent years this reputation has been enhanced through the City’s marine science sector, which is increasingly recognised as an international centre of excellence.  The City currently has:

• Approximately 500 marine scientists.
• 1500 undergraduate students studying marine related subjects each year.
• Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership— a leading authority in this field consisting of: Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML); University of Plymouth Marine Institute; National Marine Aquarium (NMA); the Marine Biological Association; Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAFOS); the Diving Diseases Research Centre; and the Royal Navy's Flag Officer Sea Training (Hydrography, Meteorology and Oceanography).
• One of the finest waterfronts of any City in the country.
• An outstanding heritage of maritime discovery and exploration.

With the challenge posed by climate change, the importance of our oceans is becoming more evident. This means there will be new and exciting opportunities.

I am supporting the development of Plymouth's marine science interests in the following ways:

1. As a member of the House of Commons & House of Lords Joint Committee on the Draft Marine Bill.
2. I am a strong supporter of the Government's flagship Climate Change Bill.
3. By sponsoring exhibitions in Parliament showcasing elements of Plymouth's marine sector.
4. By presenting to Ministers Plymouth's case to be home of the proposed Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
5. By undertaking the MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme, whereby I shadow a scientist based in Plymouth to learn about their work and, in turn, they visit me in Parliament to understand the work of an MP and to see the development of science related policy.

Previously, I was  a member of the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology at a time when it produced two reports of great relevance to Plymouth's marine sector: one entitled Investigating the Oceans and the other on the Funding of Science and Discovery Centres.  I continue to follow these issues very closely and am keen to promote the importance of science in our education system.  I was also a strong supporter of the creating of the ex-HMS Scylla diving reef in Whitsand Bay.

I produce a regular newsletter on matters relating to environment, science and marine issues which you can download below:

January 2008	Spring 2008	Summer 2008

Related Speeches and Resources:

• Linda's keynote speech to the Seas of Opportunity conference held at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, on 22 November 2007 - link.
• Linda's contribution to the House of Commons debate on the Marine Environment, 19 April 2007 - link.