This dataset comprises life history models of Scombrids, long lived sea-birds, and Kittiwake birds. Existing datasets for these species were used to produce theory predicting the demographic rates that are correlated with suites of life history traits, and then generate more precise posterior estimates of these demographic rates by fitting a structured population model. These models aim to generate new insights about the relationship between life-history traits of marine species, environmental drivers such as resources and mortality, and resilience to anthropogenic or environmental perturbations. The data were generated by the project titled "Informing population models with evolutionary theory to infer species' conservation status" funded by NERC Discovery Science grant NE/P004180/1 led by Professor Jason Matthiopoulos and Dr Catharine Horswill at University of Glasgow Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine.

This dataset comprises visual line and point transect surveys, stable isotope, sex determination and genetic studies, geolocation tracking, time-depth and morphometrics of specific seabird species in the Atlantic Ocean along the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone (CGFZ). Data collection was onboard RRS Discovery Cruise DY080 from 06 June 2017 to 02 July 2017 in the North Atlantic Ocean to complete visual line and point transect surveys of seabirds. Seabirds (Fulmarus glacialis, Ardenna gravis, Oceanodroma leucorhoa) were caught and sampled using non-lethal methods, then released unharmed. Feathers, blood, faeces, stomach contents were sampled and morphometrics and moult scores recorded. Seabirds (Ardenna gravis, Calonectris borealis) were captured and released at breeding colonies to allow tracking of their locations and collection of associated tissue samples at Gough Island (November 2016), Kidney Island (January 2017) and Corvo Island (July 2017) in the South Atlantic Ocean. Birds were fitted with a Migrate Technology F100 geolocator. In addition, to record dive behaviour, a subset of birds were fitted with a Cefas G5 Time Depth Recorder. These loggers were recovered and downloaded after 12 or 24 months. Blood and feather samples were collected from the birds at logger deployment and recovery and morphometrics were also recorded for all of the birds. This is a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funded grant, reference no. NE/M017990/1 led by Dr Ewan Wakefield, University of Glasgow (Principal Investigator). Grant funded from 04 January 2016 to 03 January 2021. The core aim of the project was to determine how petrels have been affected by recent changes in the climate, how they affect phytoplankton growth and carbon dioxide levels, and how they may respond to future climate change. BODC are the designated repository for long term storage of datasets. BODC currently hold DY080 visual line transect survey data of seabirds, which are available to users on request.

The Marine Ecosystems Research Programme (MERP) dataset consists of pelagic and benthic taxonomic data with supporting data such as sediment size and satellites ocean colour or productivity in UK waters (Celtic Sea, Irish Sea, North Sea and the English Channel). Data were obtained from cruises beginning in April 2014, using a variety of methods such as BONGO nets, trawls, dredges and grabs. These data were used alongside and in various models. MERP addresses key knowledge gaps in marine ecosystem research. The programme developed a more accurate suite of marine ecosystem models providing vital evidence, tools and advice to policy makers and environmental managers, including the development and implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Marine and Coastal Access Act, Marine (Scotland) Act, Common Fisheries Policy and the OSPAR Joint Assessment and Monitoring Programme as well as the work of UK government departments. MERP research supports an ecosystem approach to policy, regulatory and management initiatives. MERP was formerly known as Integrating Macroecology and Modelling to Elucidate Regulation of Services from Ecosystems (IMMERSE) and the WP2 Developing a model based understanding of ecosystem service regulation grants. MERP was created when two grants were combined to make an overarching programme. The MERP consortium includes a blend of early and mid to late career researchers united by large-scale thinking and a multidisciplinary approach. The following partners were involved in the programme: Bangor University, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, National Oceanography Centre, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Queen Mary University of London, Queens University Belfast, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science, University of Glasgow, University of Sheffield and the University of Strathclyde.