Project Announcement: Understanding Public Perspectives on Marine Decommissioning
We’re pleased to be supporting the READ-ME (Research to Explore Attitudes and Perceptions to Decommissioning in the Marine Environment) project, funded by INSITE North Sea as part of the INSITE Phase 3 programme ( Phase 3 – Research Projects – INSITE North Sea).
This collaborative initiative brings together a strong partnership of organisations, led by Prof Sian Rees at the University of Plymouth, in partnership with the University of Aberdeen, the National Decommissioning Centre, and specialist consultancy partners. Together, the team is working to build a clearer understanding of how the public and stakeholders perceive decommissioning across a range of marine contexts, including offshore energy infrastructure and shipwreck management, and how those views evolve when informed by evidence.
Dr Paula Duffy, University of Aberdeen said of the project:
“Decommissioning in the marine environment sits at the intersection of environmental responsibility, economic reality and public trust. If we want to make better, more sustainable decisions, we need to bring people with us. This project is particularly valuable because it goes beyond simply capturing headline opinions. It takes the extra step of exploring how and why perspectives might change when people are given the opportunity to engage with information that is clear, balanced and grounded in evidence. By creating space for people to reflect and respond to different scenarios, the research helps build a more informed picture of public attitudes – one that recognises the role that understanding plays in shaping views, rather than relying on initial reactions alone.”
Approach
At the heart of the project is the development and delivery of a scientifically robust, stakeholder-informed online survey designed to capture both baseline attitudes and how these change following exposure to evidence-based information.
The survey builds on established tools such as the UK Ocean Literacy Survey and an extensive review of over 30 related studies spanning environmental, marine, heritage and decommissioning themes.
In practice, the research will involve:
Gathering demographic data and exploring core values across environmental, marine, heritage and energy topics
Measuring baseline perceptions of decommissioning in the marine environment
Presenting respondents with a series of carefully designed narrative scenarios (approximately 10–13), each supported by concise evidence summaries and visuals
Capturing how attitudes and preferences shift after engaging with these scenarios
The survey has been carefully designed to balance depth and accessibility, with streamlined content to encourage engagement and minimise drop-off. M·E·L Research will lead on fieldwork, delivering a nationally representative sample of 1,600 participants through trusted panel partners, alongside rigorous quality assurance throughout. The survey will also be tested at the SIME conference ( SIME 2026 – INSITE North Sea ) and through cognitive testing with members of the public to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
Why is this research is important?
As the UK continues to navigate the transition of its marine and energy landscapes, decisions around decommissioning are becoming increasingly visible and consequential. However, public understanding of these issues – and the trade-offs involved – can be limited. This research is important because it goes beyond simply measuring opinion; it explores how informed understanding shapes attitudes. The findings will provide valuable, evidence-based insight to support more transparent communication, better policy development, and more inclusive decision-making across the sector.
“We are pleased to be supporting the READ-ME project, which brings together academic, sector and research expertise to address a complex area. Our focus is on delivering a robust and reliable evidence base, supporting a clearer understanding of public perceptions of decommissioning and how these may change when informed by relevant information. M·E·L Research is well placed to contribute to this work, drawing on our experience in designing and delivering large-scale surveys, testing communications, and capturing attitudinal change across environmental and energy-related topics.”
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