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
This ship vanished without a trace more than 100 years ago. Almost 50 years later, they found it – along with something incredible living on it
One of the world’s most famous shipwrecks, the SS Yongala is sometimes visited by the largest and rarest stingray in the ocean
"Their toxin is so potent that scientists believe it can kill up to 700 people. If left untreated, victims can die in under 5 hours"
Deadly yet potentially lifesaving, the venom of cone snails is powerful enough to kill hundreds of people — but could also hold the key to new treatments for diabetes and other diseases.
It was twice the size of Manhattan and incredibly floated a colossal 3,000km across the ocean, transporting millions of animals on the way
When an undersea volcano erupted in the Pacific Ocean, it created a vast raft of floating rock
"Scientists are unsure how many exist or how rare they are." Drone captures elusive animal the length of a shipping container hunting in Indonesia
Omura’s whales are filter feeders that snack on enormous mouthfuls of tiny krill.
“Ghostly" ocean giant spotted at intersection of Pacific and Indian oceans
The unusually pattern marine creature was seen in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
“I'm shaking...” Watch incredible moment deep-sea researchers see something very rare - and surprising - deep down in the ocean
This adorable deep-sea animal’s ear flaps make it look like a famous Disney character
This animal could be worth 12 times more than Elon Musk
Oyster reefs could add around $12 trillion to global economies if they were better managed and protected, new study finds.
"It was supposed to solve two problems: reducing waste to landfill and creating habitats. It did neither – instead it ended up as a catastrophe"
In the 1970s, this conservation project seemed like a great idea. Decades later, it’s caused untold damage
Diver finds turtle face down in a sea sponge. You won’t believe what it’s doing
A diver in Moalboal, Philippines, saw something very odd – and it had the internet worried for a moment.
"It grunts and gulps like a hungry pig and has claimed a dozen lives"
Despite their risks, these natural marvels can be a boon for marine life as they stir up the nutrients so there is lots of food for animals
Scuba diver films group of giant 'swimming heads' in Bali
Ocean sunfish, or mola mola, have no tail fin. Instead, they steer with a thick rudder-like fringe called a clavus, which gives them their unusual appearance.
Lost pilot whales were spotted in the Thames. This is what happened next
Marine mammal experts responded to the unusual sighting and tried to encourage the pod back to the safety of deeper seas.
Beneath the ocean, a giant conveyor belt is slowing down. If it stops, the deadly consequences could be global
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation may be weakening, which could cause huge problems for the planet
“I could watch them forever.” This adorable clip will give your soul a boost
Puffins spend the entire winter out at sea – but visitors to their breeding colonies can watch their adorable antics during spring and summer.
Florida scientists are using underwater umbrellas to protect coral reefs
Placing underwater umbrellas over vulnerable corals could help to protect them from marine heatwaves, according to a new study.
Researchers dropped a baited camera into the Pacific Ocean, then this secretive creature came to investigate
During a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition, scientists found proof that confirmed leopard sharks occupy Samoan waters.
"Like bulldozers in a demolition derby.” These chaotic baby horseshoe crabs giving each other piggybacks are too cute for words
Horseshoe crabs are known for their life-saving abilities but they’re also incredibly cute.
Marine scientists filmed a 0.3mm oyster larva feeding. What they found is ringing alarm bells
High-speed imaging has helped scientists better understand how baby oysters feed, but what they’ve found could be a problem for future oyster populations.
“The animals found deep down could easily star in a science fiction movie – including ones that float through the darkness like disembodied buttocks.”
The mesopelagic zone stretches from 200 metres to 1,000 metres deep and is full of bizarre, baffling and even bioluminescent creatures
It's longer than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, weighs 499 tonnes and sits 24 metres below the surface, where sharks patrol Noonu Atoll’s tropical waters
The retired tuna freighter has been sunk in an attempt to create a new marine habitat in the Maldives
Can any animals kill the much-feared predator, the great white shark?
Great white sharks are an epic predator but other animals can harm them to
They look like toast racks, ping-pong balls and giant vases, range from pea-sized to car-sized – and are animals that have been on Earth for millions of years
With no gut, or circulatory or nervous system, sponges are among the simplest animals on Earth.
Fat Bear Week 2026 kicks off: here's how to vote – and why everyone is so obsessed with it
For one week each September, Alaskan bears battle it out to be crowned the girthiest grizzly – but why?
In the 1950s, whaling ended around these remote Scottish islands. Decades later, up to 30 minke whales were spotted in one great gathering
Wildlife watchers visited the Scottish Hebrides to see what marine life can be found in waters where whales used to be hunted. They witnessed one of the largest minke whale aggregations ever recorded in the region.
