Melissa Hobson
Marine science, conservation and sustainability writer
Recent articles by Melissa Hobson
What would the extended bottom-trawling ban mean for UK wildlife and fishers?
The proposed ban, which aims to protect important marine life, has been welcomed by environmentalists, but some fishers are concerned.
Shark DNA found in Welsh waters suggests rare species is hiding in plain sight
Fishers in Wales have been seeing fewer critically endangered angelsharks in Wales – but that doesn't mean they're not there, according to a new study.
"Look at the size of that one – wow, it's huge!" Boater films stunning wildlife spectacle off Sussex coast
Skipper Kurt Lander was cruising through the English Channel when the "magical" moment happened.
Is it normal to see a seal on the beach? Yes – but here are the warning signs to look out for
Seals come onto land to rest as part of their natural behaviour – here’s what to look for to know if they’re in trouble, and how to help
How to help a beached whale or dolphin – you could help save its life while waiting for medics to arrive
When a whale, dolphin or porpoise finds itself on land, something is wrong. Here’s what to do – and not to do – to help these beached animals.
'Sea parrot' cam: heartwarming livestream offers intimate glimpse inside puffin colony on remote Farne Islands
In celebration of caring for the Farne Islands for 100 years, the National Trust has shared a puffin livestream so people can watch the sweet birds from home.
“As I got closer, I saw its tail": astonished gardener finds large animal in pond
Kerry Irwin-Hall had snuck out at dawn in the hope of seeing ducks nesting, but what she spotted was even more amazing.
"Unbelievable": rare killer whale encounter stuns wildlife watchers in Northumberland
The orcas swam alongside the wildlife watching boat near the Farne Islands off the north-east coast of England.
Are there any killer whales in UK waters?
Did you know there are just two individuals remaining in the UK’s resident orca population, which will soon go extinct?
Beaver fart caught on night cam in Cornwall
Beavers mark their territory using a scent gland near their tail, so this individual may have had a good reason to let one rip.
“The largest common stingrays I have ever seen have been here in Sussex" – scuba diver shares incredible underwater footage
These hefty marine animals can measure almost a metre across.
Boater films magical dolphin encounter in Sussex
The playful dolphins approached the boat off the coast of Brighton and leapt through the water, bow riding in the waves.
This lethal predator is the most venomous in the ocean – and rising temperatures could drive them to the UK…
While this deadly marine animal is commonly found in Australia and the Indo Pacific, rising sea temperatures could force it to migrate to cooler waters.
It’s smarter than a toddler, ‘hypnotises’ prey and impersonates females to trick love rivals – meet this clever marine creature
These intelligent invertebrates are incredible illusionists and have better self-control than a toddler.
Diver films astonishing footage of baby sharks growing in Brighton
When Gio Prince found live shark eggs on Brighton Beach, he decided to try and hatch them to give the little critters a second chance at life in the ocean.
The world’s fastest shark and centuries-old giants: Discover 7 shark species found in UK waters
The UK is home to several species of sharks – including the world’s second largest fish.
Fierce battle between seal and enormous sea creature filmed in Dorset
The huge eel – which measured around a metre and a half long – put up a good fight.
"A new era for nature recovery": see "historic moment" beavers are released into wild
Wild beavers have been released into UK waterways, almost 500 years after they were driven to extinction.
"Adorable creatures" seen frolicking in Lincolnshire waterway
Thanks to rewilding efforts, wild otters have taken up residence at a Lincolnshire lodge.
X-rays, blood tests and storm simulations: take a tour of the UK's first-ever turtle rehab centre
Melissa Hobson discovers what it takes to save a life at the UK’s first purpose-built turtle rehabilitation and repatriation centre.
“It’s the first time that it has ever happened” – scientists make vital discovery at seagrass lab in England
Marine researchers have observed seagrass flowering at a lab in Plymouth for the first time – they say understanding how the plants flower in closed conditions could help future restoration efforts.
“Have you ever seen a starfish walk?” Hypnotic footage reveals the animal’s tiny feet
Some starfish can move as quickly as one metre per minute.
Kayaker has "truly mind-blowing encounter" with huge bluefin tuna in Devon
A filmmaker captured the incredible moment the “Formula One Fish” leapt out of the water.
Humpback whales sighted up and down UK coast – should we be worried? Here’s what the experts say
UK beachgoers, boaters and coastal walkers have been treated to a flurry of whale sightings in recent weeks. Are they lost? Should we be worried about them? We talk to the experts to answer all your burning questions...
