Left-Right: Prof. Andy Rees, Dr Simon Morley, Prof. Chris Evans and Dr Paul Brickle
APPG – Falklands
Dr Paul Brickle was recently invited by Peter Dowd MP, Chair of the Falkland Islands All-Party Parliamentary Group, to take part in a special roundtable discussion at the UK Parliament. The session highlighted the important contribution the Falkland Islands makes to global scientific research—especially in marine science, ecology, and climate studies—thanks to its unique and rich biodiversity in the South Atlantic.
Chaired by Peter Dowd MP, the meeting took place at 1pm on Tuesday 10 June 2025 in Portcullis House, Room P. Attendees included:
∙ Dr Paul Brickle, South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI)
∙ Prof. Andy Rees, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
∙ Prof. Chris Evans, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
∙ Dr Simon Morley, British Antarctic Survey
The roundtable provided a great opportunity to hear directly from leading scientists working on cutting-edge research in the South Atlantic region. SAERI’s work was also highlighted, particularly the strength of its international collaborations with research institutions in Europe, the US, and South America. These partnerships help SAERI deliver impactful science not only in the Falklands, but across other UK Overseas Territories and beyond.
The session wrapped up with an open discussion and Q&A, giving everyone a chance to share insights and ideas.
Falkland Islands Government Annual Reception
In addition to the APPG Dr Paul Brickle was invited to the Annual Falkland Islands Governemt Reception in Parliament. The theme this year was to celebrate ‘The Falkland Islands as a globally significant centre for environmental research and biodiversity’.
I invited speakers included Baroness Chapman (Minster for International Development, Wendy Morton, MP for Aldridge-Brownhills and our won Dr Paul Brickle.
Paul spoke about the following :
Science in the Falkland Islands: A Toast to Collaboration
The Falkland Islands are home to a unique and biodiverse environment, with exceptional marine productivity and globally important populations of seabirds, marine mammals, and kelp forests. Sitting within the Southern Hemisphere Westerly Wind Belt, they also provide a valuable natural laboratory for understanding climate and ecological change. Despite this, the Falklands were historically a stopover for science heading further south, rather than a research destination.
That changed in the late 1980s with the development of the fisheries sector, which prompted local research into fisheries ecology. This laid the foundation for the growth of science in the Islands, bolstered by organisations such as Falklands Conservation and, later, SAERI. Together, they now lead work across ecosystems, earth sciences, and data science, in collaboration with partners like BAS, PML, and UKCEH.
However, the Islands face urgent environmental challenges: drying wetlands and peatlands, carbon loss, and the impacts of climate variability on marine life and fisheries. Funding remains a critical concern, with Darwin Plus providing essential support for much of this research.
With a small but dedicated scientific community, collaboration and partnership remain central to delivering impactful science in the South Atlantic. As the speech concluded, Dr Paul Brickle made a toast to collaboration.
Dr Paul Brickle at the FIGO Annual Reception
Images: Matt Fowler Photograpghy
