deepseasgroup - about us 
The NOCS deepseas group is one of the largest single groups of deep-sea biologists in the world, having around 30 staff, visiting researchers and post-graduate students. Between us we cover most aspects of deep-sea biology, from the fundamental taxonomy - the identification, description and classification of deep-sea life - that underpins biodiversity science, to leading-edge techniques and technologies.
A selection of deep-sea creatures from the Serpent Project archives.
Our work ranges from the smallest protozoans - in particular the foraminiferans - through to the largest of the deep sea's invertebrates - the sea cucumbers. We house an internationally significant archive of deep-sea specimens in the Discovery Collections - some of which date back to our beginning in the 1920s.
The Discovery Collections - an international resource for deep-sea taxonomy and ecology.
We develop and maintain a suite of specialist equipment and facilities. Working with the the National Marine Facilities Sea Systems and Underwater Systems Laboratory groups we can access the UK's deep-sea exploration vehicles Isis (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and Autosub6000 (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle).
Autosub6000 (AUV, left) and Isis (ROV, right).
In addition to various conventional laboratories we also have a Pressure Lab that enables us to closely study deep-sea animals at their normal habitat pressure (up to 300-times atmospheric pressure) and temperature.
The NOCS Pressure Lab (left), docked to the building - it can also be carried aboard research ships. High pressure incubation chamber (right).
Please browse the website to find out more about what we do.
