ProMare

Marine Sciences and exploration

ProMare executes a variety of marine research projects independently and in concert with academic, corporate, public and governmental organizations and agencies. ProMare projects are designed to advance man's knowledge of history and science and to reinvigorate underwater exploration through fusion of popular media and scholarly research.

02/17/2026

Plymouth, the National Centre of Marine Autonomy: Discover the Mayflower story...

Plymouth’s designation as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy reflects years of innovation - and the Mayflower Autonomous Ship played a defining role in that journey. The official Mayflower Autonomous Ship digital book tells the full story of the vision, technology and voyage that helped shape Plymouth’s leadership in autonomy.

📖 Download the book:https://promare.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MAS_book.pdf

Developed and operated from Plymouth, Mayflower helped demonstrate how autonomous vessels can safely navigate the ocean using advanced AI, including Guardian AI technology developed by Plymouth-based Marine AI. Her transatlantic mission marked a major milestone in marine autonomy, helping establish the city as a global leader in this rapidly advancing field.

With Mayflower’s recent return to Plymouth, the timing couldn’t be more fitting. As she prepares for a new phase of long-range missions, her story continues, building on the legacy that helped define Plymouth’s future in marine autonomy.

01/28/2026

Sometimes the ocean surprises us. During environmental clean-up activities, Norwegian company Green-Bay stumbled upon a remarkable shipwreck, a site perfectly preserved beneath the sea.

In summer 2025, the ProMare team joined Green-Bay for a dive on the wreck. We found intact structures, intricate construction details, and a treasure trove of artefacts, all offering a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. ⚓

Watch our dive and explore this incredible discovery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J17ol4mX6U

The ocean holds countless stories- and each one reminds us why we explore, preserve, and share.

01/16/2026

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship returns to the UK for future missions!

Just before the New Year, Mayflower returned to Plymouth and is now safely at her new home at HMNB Devonport. Over the coming months, we’ll be preparing her for significant, long-range at-sea missions, operating from Plymouth throughout the spring and summer. 🌊

We are excited to see her getting ready to go back out, and continue to support ocean research, exploration, and innovation, building on her legacy while looking firmly toward the future.

10/13/2025

We recently 3D scanned the National Marine Aquarium's Zebra Shark jaw specimen at The Box’s Super Saturday event!

A huge thank you to our friends at the National Marine Aquarium, home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, for granting us permission to scan and share this remarkable specimen.

You can now explore the interactive 3D model on the Maritime Library website, just scroll to the bottom of the Ecological Collections page to see it in motion.

https://promare.org/maritime-library-artefact-library-ecological-collection/

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, UK, is the largest aquarium in the country, home to over 4,000 animals, from local British waters to tropical reefs. The aquarium connects people with the ocean, encouraging marine conservation through education and research.

Image credit: Unsplash

07/23/2025

The final resting place of HMS Nottingham, the last missing WWI British light cruiser, has been discovered, identified, and documented by the team at ProjectXplore . Well done to the team for this accomplishment!

We’re proud to have supported this important expedition, which contributes to the preservation and understanding of maritime history.

ProjectXplore brings divers together with shipwreck exploration initiatives, offering rare insight into historic wrecks- this one being a particularly significant find.

After eight months of planning, divers were deployed in July 2025 to document the wreck following April 2025 surveys; using towed side-scan sonar (SSS), down-scanning sonar (DSS), and a single-beam echo sounder (SBES) to further understand the site.

HMS Nottingham saw action at Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank, and Jutland before being torpedoed by German submarine U-52 on 19 August 1916. We honour the memory of those who lost their lives that day.

Read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglzw18yng4o

Image Credits: ProjectXplore

04/07/2025

What a great time we had at Super Saturday at The Box Plymouth! 🌊

We had the chance to show off the magic of VR and the first stage of our virtual museum, where you can get up close, and interact with some of our scans. From scanning hidden treasures in The Box’s archive to bringing Plymouth’s rich maritime history to life, it was amazing to share our work - and even better to see the public get involved and make scans of their own!

We loved connecting with everyone, hearing local stories, and discovering brand-new things about the specimens we've scanned 🔍

Huge thanks to everyone who joined us, the organisers, and the other stands - you were all amazing! We can’t wait for more events like this!

If you met us at the event, or have only just heard of us and have anything you'd like to share - whether it’s a story related to Plymouth's maritime history, a specimen, or an artefact- let us know; we'd love to connect and start our community collection!

Adela Hawley Ayse Atauz Phaneuf and Charlotte Ashcroft-Booth attended the stall for the event.

02/28/2025

Help Us Identify This Shell!

We’ve found a juvenile gastropod mollusc in The Box archives, but there's no further information! It’s around the size of a thumbnail, and we’re on the hunt for anyone who can help us identify it further.

Click the link for a closer look!
Know what it is? Comment below or send us a message!
Your contribution will be credited on our website.

Donated to The Box Plymouth by the Marine Biological Association.

https://promare.org/maritime-library-the-box-plymgnh-2000-1-4614-4/

02/13/2025

Question time with Adela Hawleyley, our expert in Collections Management & Heritage Consultancy!

With years of experience in conservation, curation, and collections care, Adela is now blending traditional heritage practices with cutting-edge digital preservation methods. She's passionate about making cultural heritage both protected and globally accessible. We asked her some questions on heritage, and where it might be headed! Read her answers below…

12/19/2024

Here is a sneak peak of a new development... We are digitising the South West’s largest collection of preserved pickled specimens, with the support of Different View.

This collaboration with The Box Plymouth will allow anyone to explore these specimens in incredible detail, whether for research, education, or even curiosity.

By preserving these unique collections digitally, we’re making them accessible to all!

12/13/2024

Have you ever noticed how even the smallest specimens from the same environment can look so completely different? These close-up images reveal the bizarre beauty of marine life—each one unique, intricate, and fascinating in its own way.

It’s amazing how nature thrives in such diversity, even within a single space beneath the waves. Our latest scans aim to preserve and celebrate this individuality, allowing us to explore the hidden details of life in the deep without disturbing it.

Special thanks to The Box Plymouth and the The Marine Biological Association for their support in uncovering these incredible details!

Which one is your favourite?

11/29/2024

Maritime artefacts and specimens are more than just relics of the past—they help us to understand our history, culture, and ocean life. We believe in the importance of protecting and sharing these items, which is why we’re proud to support initiatives like the Maritime Library Project, collaborate on projects with companies like IBM, and explore underwater shipwrecks.

Here’s why preservation matters:
Cultural Heritage: Maritime artefacts tell the story of how communities were shaped by the oceans, from ancient trade routes to naval innovations.

Educational Value: These items provide a link to history, helping researchers, students, and the public engage with marine artefacts.

Conservation for the Future: Many artefacts face risks from environmental changes and human activity. Preservation ensures these stories aren’t lost to time.

We support the Maritime Library project to preserve maritime heritage through 3D scanning, creating digital replicas that safeguard artefacts and make them accessible worldwide.

11/21/2024

Can You Name the Shell?

Take a look at this intriguing shell from the Marine Biological Association Collection, housed at The Box Plymouth archives— containing maritime history and marine biodiversity. Any guesses what this shell might be?

As part of the Maritime Library Project, this shell will soon be transformed into a high-resolution 3D scan, allowing you to explore its intricate details and uncover its fascinating story.

Follow the journey as we combine historical collections with innovative technology, bringing these marine treasures to life like never before.

Visit our virtual museum at promare.org/maritime-library/

Address

4 Water Street
Chester, CT
06412

Telephone

(860) 526-4911

Website

http://www.promare.org/

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