About us

A world leader in marine science and technology, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) collects, manages and interprets data on the aquatic environment, biodiversity and fisheries.

Our applied research and our partnerships with government, industry and scientific organisations help create and maintain healthy and sustainable marine and freshwater environments that benefit everyone.

Who we are

Cefas offers the broadest range of applied marine and freshwater science in the UK. We started in 1902 as a small fisheries laboratory in Lowestoft, the location of our present headquarters and specialist laboratories. We now employ around 530 people between our sites in Lowestoft and Weymouth and small port-based offices in Scarborough, Hayle and Plymouth.

Find out more about our services and capability

Our responsibilities

We advise Defra, as well as other public and private sector customers, on issues connected to the marine and aquatic environment, including:

  • marine planning and environmental licensing
  • the impacts of climate change and the UK’s ability to adapt to it
  • sustainable fisheries management
  • marine biodiversity and habitats
  • fish and shellfish health and hygiene
  • responding to emergencies developing from or affecting the waters in and around the UK

Corporate information

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Jobs and contracts

Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.

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