Neri Campbell The Marine Biological Association (MBA), one of the world’s longest-running learned societies on marine biology research is launching a major recruitment drive. The organisation was first founded in 1884 and has been based at Citadel Hill, overlooking the Plymouth Sound for 135 years. With recent funding and expansion plans, the Marine Biological Association (MBA) is now looking … Read more
Significant changes in plankton abundance and seasonality due to global climate change could alter the biological carbon pump in the ocean, according to new research. Current Earth System Models (ESMs) used by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are projecting a decline in phytoplankton (plant plankton) abundance, and predict large seasonal shifts that may … Read more
Scientists have explained that different methods of plankton analysis could give us a greater understanding of plankton regime shifts, and their impact on the marine ecosystem. Plankton are a diverse collection of tiny organisms found in water. They are a vital food source for many organisms and their activity in the ocean helps regulate the … Read more
Nations around the world have agreed to a High Seas Treaty to protect marine biodiversity and provide oversight of international waters. The agreement on ‘Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction’ (BBNJ) provides a legal framework on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of our ocean beyond national jurisdiction. MBA Trustee Angelique … Read more
To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are highlighting some of our inspiring female marine biologists here at the Marine Biological Association. Dr Katherine Helliwell Dr Katherine Helliwell is a NERC Independent Research Fellow, as a joint appointment with University of Exeter, in molecular microbiology and is Research Lead on the … Read more
Gaps in plankton monitoring need to be urgently addressed to assess the impact of climate change on marine life, according to researchers. Scientists from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and over 20 universities and research institutions across the world say more work needs to be done to untangle the climate-driven environmental impacts on plankton. Plankton are a diverse collection … Read more
Scientists from Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the Marine Biological Association (MBA) have used environmental DNA (eDNA) and ocean modelling to follow the dispersal of carbon rich seaweed material, to help improve understanding of natural climate change mitigation solutions provided by seaweed habitats and the patches of seafloor with which they are connected. Seaweed ’leaf … Read more
Plankton may offer a way to monitor historical marine pollution trends, and could be used to predict trends in human health, according to new research. Using samples from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey, an international team of scientists have suggested that rising levels of manmade chemicals found in the ocean could be used to … Read more
Dr Keith Hiscock, Associate Fellow of the Marine Biological Association (MBA) has received an MBE for services to marine conservation. The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) was announced in the New Year Honours List 2023. Dr Hiscock has played an integral part in marine conservation for more than 50 years. Having … Read more
A new EU project has been launched to improve how biodiversity is recorded and protected in marine and coastal environments. Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, MARCO-BOLO (MARine Coastal BiOdiversity Long-term Observations) will structure and strengthen European coastal and marine biodiversity observation capabilities, linking them to global efforts to understand and restore ocean health. Coastal … Read more
The Marine Biological Association
The Laboratory,
Citadel Hill Plymouth,
Devon
PL1 2PB, UK
The Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea. We're working with our ever-growing membership to provide a clear and independent voice on behalf of the marine biological community