Western Channel Observatory

An oceanographic time-series and marine biodiversity reference site in the Western English Channel.

What is the Western Channel Observatory?

The Western Channel Observatory (WCO) is an oceanographic time-series and marine biodiversity reference site in the Western English Channel. In situ measurements are undertaken weekly at coastal station L4 and fortnightly at open shelf station E1 using the research vessels of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Marine Biological Association. These measurements are complemented by PML's recognised excellence in ecosystem modelling and satellite remote sensing science. By integrating these different observational disciplines we can begin to disentangle the complexity of the marine ecosystem.

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From photons to fish, from seconds to centuries ...

The WCO measures several key parameters important to the functioning of the marine ecosystem such as light, temperature, salinity and nutrients. Station L4 has some of the longest time-series in the world for zooplankton and phytoplankton, and fish trawls have been made by the MBA for a century.

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The forefront of marine research and monitoring

The Western Channel Observatory has been at the forefront of marine research and monitoring in the western English Channel for several decades. Its publications represent a wealth of knowledge and insights into the region's marine ecosystem. These publications not only contribute to the scientific understanding of the English Channel's unique marine environment but also provide valuable information for policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders involved in the sustainable management of this vital coastal area.

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A century of data

The team have released a century of physical, chemical and biological data from the Western English Channel in a brand new, easy-to-access format.

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Research areas

Pelagic Time-series

Time series of pelagic data at the main WCO sites includes over a century of measurements, now with over 3 decades of weekly-resolution measurements.

Benthic survey

The Benthic survey sampling at the WCO started in 2008 and covers a series of contrasting sites in the Plymouth area, with focus on L4. A wide range of ecological, physical and chemical parameters are measured.

Atmospheric Chemistry Observatory

PML operates an Atmospheric Observatory at the mouth of Plymouth Sound: an ideal position for monitoring the impact of anthropogenic and natural sources of trace gases and their fluxes.

Satellite data

PML operationally processes satellite derived fields of sea-surface temperature and ocean colour, which can be used to derive chlorophyll. These data allow the point measurements at L4 and E1 to be set in a wider context.

Ecosystem modelling

The western English Channel is a useful test area for developing ecosystem models. Data from the WCO are used to develop, parameterise and validate models and ideas.

Smart Sound Plymouth

Smart Sound Plymouth is Britain's premier proving area for designing, testing and developing cutting edge products and services for the marine sector.