Home is the researcher, home from the sea.

The research vessel 'Plymouth Quest' returning to her berth in Sutton Harbour yesterday.

She is operated by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, 

a globally recognised, independent academic institution, which specialises 

in delivering pioneering research into the many challenges facing the planet's marine environment.

In a matter of minutes she is through the lock gates and moored behind 'Sepia', 

one of the institution's smaller research vessels.

Although it looks like a summer day the temperature barely rose above 0 degrees C all day.