We believe that a better relationship with our environment comes from an increased knowledge of it. MyCoast gives detailed and timely information about Plymouth’s marine environment to improve understanding of our marine resources for the benefit of all.
MyCoast goes beyond traditional weather forecasts of purely atmospheric conditions to provide a detailed description of important components of the marine system. These include predictions of water temperature, salinity, currents and the risk of pollution.
The MyCoast area focuses on Plymouth (UK) and the surrounding region. The area is dominated by three estuaries where the freshwater from the rivers Tamar, Plym and Yealm meet the ocean.
The city of Plymouth is home to over 260,000 people and many depend on the marine environment for their livelihoods or leisure. Extensive marine industry and shipping exist alongside recreational vessels, swimmers and divers.
The main pressures affecting the area are agricultural run-off, industrial and urban discharges and these translate into increased nutrients and eutrophication pressures and dredging of historic sediment deposits contaminated with heavy metals from mining. These risks can be more pronounced where the water aggregates. MyCoast provides a one-day forecast of where the movement of water can aggregate contaminants that can decrease the quality of the water (Link to pollution risk tool).
The areas’ outstanding value has been demonstrated by designations including a Special Area of Conservation and Marine Conservation Zone. The large marine heritage that exists in Plymouth has drawn together many organisations from areas such as governance, academia, research, industry and conservation to initiate procedures for Plymouth sound be designated as the first UK marine national park. MyCoast can contribute to understanding, managing and maintaining the natural beauty of the region whilst keeping it accessible to all.
MyCoast is funded by the EU INTERREG Atlantic Area transnational cooperation programme.
View the forecasts for locations in the Plymouth region.
Read more about the overarching project that MyCoast Plymouth is part of.