Marine ecosystems
Marine ecosystems are vital components of the biosphere, providing numerous ecosystem services, but are also under significant pressures due to global change. Explore research from across our journals that investigates the impacts that marine ecosystems have on our planet.
Explore marine ecosystems research from PLOS
We publish research that addresses the biological diversity of marine ecosystems, from the familiar to the little-explored. This includes ecological functions and processes in environments ranging from coral reefs to seagrass meadows; from estuaries to the benthic zone. Our publications also examine ecosystem services and conservation approaches, highlighting the ecological impacts of global change, including ocean acidification, marine heatwaves, overfishing, and pollution.
Stay up-to-date with marine ecosystems research from PLOS
Research spotlights
As a leading publisher in the field, these articles showcase research that has influenced academia, industry and/or policy.
Marine ecosystems research topics
PLOS publishes research across a broad range of topics. Take a look at the latest work in your field.
Further environmental science reading and insights
PLOS publishes a broad range of inter-disciplinary research in environmental science, spanning multiple journals, disciplines, and regions. Uncover further curated research and insights in the following fields:
Explore the latest research developments in your field
Our commitment to Open Science means others can build on terrestrial ecosystems and data to advance the field. Discover selected popular research below:
PLOS Sustainability and Transformation
PLOS Sustainability and Transformation
PLOS Sustainability and Transformation
Related journals in marine ecosystems
We provide a platform for marine ecosystems research across various PLOS journals, allowing interdisciplinary researchers to explore terrestrial ecosystems research at all preclinical, translational and clinical research stages.
Breaking boundaries. Empowering researchers. Opening science.
PLOS is a nonprofit, Open Access publisher empowering researchers to accelerate progress in science and medicine by leading a transformation in research communication.
Open Access
All PLOS journals are fully Open Access, which means the latest published research is immediately available for all to learn from, share, and reuse with attribution. No subscription fees, no delays, no barriers.
Leading responsibly
PLOS is working to eliminate financial barriers to Open Access publishing, facilitate diversity and broad participation of voices in knowledge-sharing, and ensure inclusive policies shape our journals. We’re committed to openness and transparency, whether it’s peer review, our data policy, or sharing our annual financial statement with the community.
Breaking boundaries in Open Science
We push the boundaries of “Open” to create a more equitable system of scientific knowledge and understanding. All PLOS articles are backed by our Data Availability policy, and encourage the sharing of preprints, code, protocols, and peer review reports so that readers get more context.
Interdisciplinary
PLOS journals publish research from every discipline across science and medicine and related social sciences. Many of our journals are interdisciplinary in nature to facilitate an exchange of knowledge across disciplines, encourage global collaboration, and influence policy and decision-making at all levels
Community expertise
Our Editorial Boards represent the full diversity of the research and researchers in the field. They work in partnership with expert peer reviewers to evaluate each manuscript against the highest methodological and ethical standards in the field.
Rigorous peer review
Our rigorous editorial screening and assessment process is made up of several stages. All PLOS journals use anonymous peer review by default, but we also offer authors and reviewers options to make the peer review process more transparent.