Melissa Hobson
Marine science and conservation writer
Melissa Hobson, doing business as The Ocean Writer Ltd., is a marine science and conservation writer based in Hastings. She has written about the ocean for outlets including BBC Wildlife, BBC Countryfile, National Geographic, New Scientist and the Guardian. Visit Melissa’s website at melissahobson.co.uk or follow her on LinkedIn.
Recent articles by Melissa Hobson
UK government proposes ban on bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas
Government proposals to ban bottom trawling in more vulnerable marine habitats aim to protect important and rare underwater life.
Scientists have filmed anchor damage in the Antarctic for the first time. Here’s what they saw
Researchers filmed the damage caused by ships’ anchors in Antarctica, in a scientific first
DNA suggests shark "unlike any other" more common in Wales than previously thought
A new study suggests the decline in critically endangered angelsharks in Wales may have been overestimated.
16ft great white shark found with perfectly circular hole in head – and we know exactly what caused it
The strange-looking wound was made by another predator, say experts from the California White Shark Project.
Scientists put three decades of whale migration data into a digital map – this is what they saw
The Protecting Blue Corridors platform allows conservationists to see where whales are moving and track threats in their path.
If you’ve been swimming in the ocean, this bizarre animal was there – probably without you even knowing
There are thousands of species of nudibranchs and they come in all different colours and sizes – as this expect video explains.
"No way!" Gob-smacking footage of a gigantic two-tonne elephant seal taking a rest on a South African police car
After shocking residents in the coastal community of Gordon's Bay, the southern elephant seal was safely relocated to the sea.
Expedition team films “surreal” sound echoing across beach in Argentina
A conservation expedition team has shared footage of a noisy rabble of elephant seals in Argentina – their otherworldly grunts can be heard rumbling along the shore.
When a boat came across a huge humpback whale carcass in Chile, they decided to do something amazing
Conservationists in Chilean Patagonia came together to preserve the enormous skeleton.
Something remarkable was just filmed at this decaying whale carcass in Hawai'i
In a scientific first, researchers recorded oceanic whitetip and tiger sharks – two species not usually seen together – feeding peacefully on a decayed whale carcass.
See largest manatee aggregation ever recorded in this Florida state park
Thanks to conservation efforts, there are now over 700 manatees in Florida’s Blue Spring State Park – up from just 36 four decades ago.
The 'flying spaghetti monster' is real. Scientists bumped into it on a deep-sea voyage to underwater mountains. Watch this jaw-dropping footage
Researchers stumbled upon the otherworldly colony of organisms on their way to an explored seamount off the coast of Chile.
Underwater robot stumbles across thousands of sharks asleep on the seabed. Watch the incredible, gob-smacking footage here
in 2024 scientists were left scratching their heads, underwater robot captured thousands of female sharks gathered on the seafloor in southern Australia.
Cute, clumsy and very pink stubby squid filmed during night dive off Canadian island
An underwater videographer captured footage of the curious animal skipping along the seafloor near Vancouver Island.
Explorers film ethereal tentacled creature drifting through the twilight zone
These mystical animals are known for their remarkable escape strategy – when in danger, they detach their own tentacles to get away.
Are there great white sharks in New Zealand waters?
The country is a haven for wildlife with many of its own endemic species – but can great white sharks be found there?
Are there any crocodiles in the sea?
Saltwater crocodiles can tolerate seawater and have been found miles offshore, even though they’re not strong swimmers
Are there killer whales in UK waters?
Orcas are found in every ocean in the world and can be seen in the UK – if you’re very lucky
Diver films strange animal "ballet" in Bali
When they swim together in a close group, striped eel catfish look much more intimidating to potential predators.
"Want to hear a tiger cub roar? It’s unforgettable!” Camera trap captures rare moment in Asian jungle
Tiger populations in Thailand are increasing, giving conservationists hope for the future of the species.
When researchers hid a camera off the coast of South Africa, a "creepy creature" appeared and attacked this shark
Shark “finds out the hard way” why it shouldn’t mess with this bizarre ocean animal.
“A sight few have ever witnessed”: blue whale gathering stuns wildlife watchers in San Diego
Blue whales are the largest animal on the planet but finding them in the vast ocean can take hours of searching.
Can any animals kill a great white shark?
Great white sharks are an epic predator but other animals can harm them to
This adorable baby animal looks like the cutest little alien – you'll never guess what it turns into
Scientists have shared soothing footage of the tiny marine larvae fluttering through the water.