Research
Our contribution
In addition to our own projects we work with various organisations and institutions to help progress our collective understanding of the natural world we are all a part of.
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Dive into our latest research on microplastics, grey seal behaviors/breeding patterns, and the impact of human activities on marine species in South Devon and further afield. Discover how our work in Brixham and beyond contributes to the global understanding of marine conservation.
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We are always looking for way to contribute further, so get in touch if anything we do may assist your work, studies or research.
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Click on the buttons for .pdf versions
Grey seals resting camouflaged by natural substrate. Image taken by drone during a licenced research project. Duncan Kenny. 2024.
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Research papers & documents
2024
Manx Wildlife Trust
Calf of Man Seal Survey Report 2024 by Daisy McDonald, Duncan Kenny, Dr. Lara Howe – Manx Wildlife Trust
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A 10 week research project in 2024 on a remote island studying grey seal pup mortailty and site fidelity. Co-Authored by The Cove CO-Founder Duncan Kenny
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2024
University of Plymouth
Predictors of Weight Gain in the Rehabilitation of Eastern North Atlantic Grey Seals by Samantha McGivern – University of Plymouth – April 2024
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Acknowledgements: Duncan Kenny – The Cove Discovery Project
Research carried out at Seal Rescue Ireland rehabilitation centre in County Wexford, Ireland
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2025
The Cove Discovery Project
Tiny Pollutants, Massive Impact: Microplastic Pollution in Torbay’s Coastal Waters by Duncan Kenny, Chris Thomas - The Cove Discovery Project - January 2025
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Results of seawater samples collected across Torbay, Devon identifying microplastics in 100% of samples collected.
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Research tags:
Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Waters, Marine Ecosystem Threats from Plastics, Impact of Microplastics on Marine Life, Torbay Coastal Environmental Challenges, Solutions for Plastic Pollution in Oceans, Marine Pollution Research in Devon, Community Action Against Microplastics, Health Risks of Microplastic Contamination, Sustainable Practices to Combat Plastic Waste, The Cove Discovery Project Research
Research tags:
Grey Seal Population Dynamics, Seal Pupping Sites Calf of Man, Marine Mammal Conservation Isle of Man, Thermal Drone Wildlife Surveys, Seal Pup Mortality Trends, Grey Seal Site Fidelity Research, Marine Ecosystem Health Indicators, Impact of Climate Change on Seal Pupping, Manx Wildlife Trust Seal Studies, Coastal Habitat Monitoring Techniques
2025
The Cove Discovery Project
Urban Seals Wild Seals Behavioural Shifts and Impacts of Habituation by Duncan Kenny, Chris Thomas - The Cove Discovery Project - January 2025
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Examines the behavioural adaptations and ecological implications for grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) inhabiting urbanized environments versus undisturbed habitats. Focusing on critical behaviours such as resting, foraging, breeding, and social interactions, the report highlights the significant challenges and consequences posed by human encroachment on coastal ecosystems.
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Research tags:
Grey Seals, Urban Wildlife, Wildlife Habituation, Human-Wildlife Interactions, Coastal Ecosystems, Marine Mammal Conservation, Behavioural Ecology, Urbanization Impacts on Wildlife, Seal Haul-Out Sites, Anthropogenic Disturbance, Pinniped Behaviour, Wildlife Stress and Adaptation, Biodiversity Conservation, Marine Wildlife Monitoring, Seal Reproductive Behaviour, Habitat Fragmentation, Anthropogenic Threats to Marine Life The Cove Discovery Project Research
Research tags:
Grey Seal Rehabilitation, Marine Mammal Rehabilitation, Weight Gain Predictors, Seal Mortality Factors, Eastern North Atlantic Grey Seals, Stress and Growth in Marine Mammals, Rehabilitation Centre Practices, Behavioural Stress Indicators, Juvenile Seal Survival, Rehabilitation Management Strategies, Admittance Factors in Seal Rescue, Habitat Adaptation in Captivity, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Rehabilitation Ethics, Animal Behaviour Analysis, Seal Growth and Survival Dynamics
2023
Manx Wildlife Trust
Calf of Man Seal Survey Report 2023 by Bethany-Paige Begbie, Duncan Kenny, Dr. Lara Howe – Manx Wildlife Trust
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A 10 week research project in 2023 on a remote island studying grey seal pup mortailty and site fidelity. Co-Authored by The Cove CO-Founder Duncan Kenny
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Research tags:
Grey Seal Population Dynamics, Seal Pupping Sites Calf of Man, Marine Mammal Conservation Isle of Man, Allosuckling, Seal Pup Mortality Trends, Grey Seal Site Fidelity Research, Marine Ecosystem Health Indicators, Impact of Climate Change on Seal Pupping, Manx Wildlife Trust Seal Studies, Coastal Habitat Monitoring Techniques