Accessibility

This accessibility statement applies to the Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN) website (www.marlin.ac.uk) and associated sub-domains.

The Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN) is committed to making its website accessible, to as wide an audience as possible in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. MarLIN has undertaken an accessibility audit of its website and is in the process of the redesign and upgrade of the website accordingly. Therefore, users should be able to:

  • change colours, contrast levels and fonts;
  • zoom in up to 500% without the text spilling off the screen and without the content being truncated or overlapping;
  • navigate most of the content using just a keyboard;
  • navigate most of the website using speech recognition software; and
  • listen to most of the website using a screen reader.

The website is written for a wide audience and uses plain English wherever practical. However, specialist language is unavoidable due to the scientific nature of most of the content (for example, when describing species or explaining the structure of communities and habitats). Technical and scientific terms are explained in our dedicated glossary and specific terms lists.

Compatibility with browsers and assistive technology

We are working to improve the accessibility and useability of the website, which is designed for use with most widely used web browsers and should be compatible with recent versions of assistive software. Accessibility testing and redesign are ongoing as this statement is released.

The MarLIN website is not compatible with browsers older than three major versions or mobile operating systems older than five years.

Technical specifications

The MarLIN website relies on the following technologies to work with the particular combination of web browsers and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on your computer.

  • HTML
  • WAI-ARIA
  • CSS
  • JavaScript

These technologies are relied upon for conformance with the accessibility standards used.

Compliance statement

The MarLIN website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version [2.1] AA standard, due to the exemptions listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reason(s):

1. Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

We are aware of the following issues:

  • Not all PDFs are provided in accessible formats (see below);
  • Some menus and navigation items may require further testing and may not work completely with screen reader software, and
  • Some menus, navigation items and text boxes may require further testing and may not be completely operable using a keyboard alone.

2. Disproportionate burden

All documentation and reports produced after 23rd September 2018 follow accessibility guidelines on layout, navigation and formatting, and are provided in ‘tagged’ PDF format. PDFs created before that date may not be completely accessible, and it would be a disproportionate task to reissue the PDFs retrospectively. The automated PDF outputs generated for the website follow the same layout and navigation as the website but are not fully ‘tagged’ due to the limitations of the software used. However, we will endeavour to release reports and documents in alternative open-source formats on request within 10 working days.

3. The following content is not within the scope of the accessibility regulations.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 2024-07-18. The statement was last reviewed on 2024-07-18. The statement is based on guidance provided by the UK government and the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidance.

This statement was prepared after an accessibility audit of the MarLIN website carried out by Test Partners Ltd and subsequent revisions of the website between June and October 2023. Accessibility testing is still underway, and this statement will be updated in due course.

Feedback and contact information

If you experience any difficulties with accessing the information provided on our website or wish to request information in alternative formats, please contact:

Harvey Tyler-Walters, MarLIN Project Manager & Acting Editor (htw@mba.ac.uk)

Formal approval of this accessibility statement

This Accessibility Statement is approved by: Acting Editor - Harvey Tyler-Walters

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’).

If you are not happy with how we respond to your request or complaint, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Last updated 2024-07-18