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
Just like in the movie Jaws, this great white shark got stuck in a small pond. Here’s what happened next...
When a great white shark got trapped in a shallow saltwater pond in Massachusets, Greg Skomal was called to help. Here’s how the experts tried to free her
"They flip sharks upside down so they can tear out their nutritious liver…" The ocean's 9 most powerful, ruthless killers that rule the waves
Here are 10 of the most effective predators in the ocean – and you might be surprised which one comes out on top
"It was just a normal dive." Then they saw this
Leopard sharks (sometimes called zebra sharks) are an exciting sight in Indonesian waters – and this one had a rare genetic condition.
"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.
It cost an eye-watering $40,000 to sink this ship and turn it into a reef – and the costly reason weighed less than a pineapple
The USS Kittiwake served for around 50 years and now delights divers in the Cayman Islands
Incredible footage shows thousands of sharks swimming “like a mighty river” in Japan
The sharks were filmed in the waters around Mikomoto Island, a small uninhabited island just 15-minutes by boat from the southernmost town on Japan's Izu Peninsula.
Where 160 billion tonnes of raging water surge as high as a 5 storey building at 10mph – and whales gather in their thousands
160 billion tonnes of seawater rush in and out of this bay twice a day, reaching such intense speeds that it sounds like a train
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
“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.
