A review of long-term research in the western English Channel

This review aims to outline long-term research from the western English Channel undertaken by the laboratories in Plymouth. Data held at Plymouth are described, and details of survey methods, sites, and time-series are given. Major findings from long-term studies are summarized, and their limitations outlined. Current research, with recent resurgence and expansion of many sampling programmes, is presented, along with future approaches, illustrating how these important and unique data, as well as providing an environmental baseline, can aid in understanding and predicting complex ecological responses to a changing environment.