Soapbox Science: Shedding light on the fascinating world of algae and algae blooms

A Marine Biological Association (MBA) researcher captivated audiences with her insightful presentation on the topic of algae and algal blooms at the popular Soapbox Science series. Soapbox Science is a public outreach event aiming to showcase the research of women and non-binary scientists who are making significant contributions to the scientific community. Held on Saturday … Read more

Study reveals decline in foundation species due to summertime Marine Heatwaves

Researchers have found compelling evidence that intense, summertime Marine Heatwaves play a significant role in the decline of vital marine species. Marine heatwaves are periods of abnormally high seawater temperatures that are unusual for a particular season and region. These extreme weather events can become stressful for marine life, affecting their ability to grow, reproduce … Read more

Pioneering water intake line will enhance research and support flourishing marine life in Plymouth Sound

We are pleased to announce the successful deployment of the Seawater Life Support, an innovative system that connects the Marine Biological Association’s (MBA) Research Aquarium to the sea. The new 27- metre-long intake line which has a lifespan of up to 30 years, is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for supporting marine life in … Read more

140 Years: Polar expeditions past and present

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) has been famously linked with three historic Antarctic expeditions, Discovery (1901 to 1904), Terra Nova (1910) and the ill-fated Endurance from 1914 to 1917. In 2021, MBA marine biologists yet again took part in an important polar expedition. Dr Kimberley Bird and Dr Birthe Zäncker joined the Synoptic Arctic Survey … Read more

Seaweed forests are an overlooked component of oceanic carbon storage

A groundbreaking study by an international team of researchers has revealed seaweed forests to be significant contributors to oceanic carbon storage. Their research estimates that the world’s seaweed forests transport 56 million tonnes of carbon (between 10 to 170 million tonnes) to deep ocean sinks each year. Between 4 and 44 million tonnes of this … Read more

New MBA Fellows Announced

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Fellows. MBA Fellows are senior practitioners in marine biology who have contributed to the discipline at the highest level. The status of Fellow of the MBA is awarded in recognition of distinguished and long-term contributions to marine biology at the highest … Read more

Supporting future marine biologists: MBA Student Bursary Programme Winners announced

For the past two decades, the MBA has provided bursaries to hundreds of MBA Student Members, giving them the opportunity to attend international and prestigious events and conferences in the field of marine biology. After a rigorous selection process, we are proud to announce the following recipients of the bursary: Anneliese Hodge Anneliese Hodge, a … Read more

Marine Biological Association 140 Anniversary: Leading the way in pioneering marine research

Marine Biological Association (MBA) researchers have made remarkable strides in the field of marine biology, conducting ground-breaking research and discovering new insights into the intricate ecosystems of our ocean. With a rich legacy dating back several decades, the MBA has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research, unlocking the mysteries of marine life and ecosystems. … Read more

Celebrating 25 years of research into the origins of vitamin C in plants

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the human diet and it has been long known that plants are an excellent source of this important antioxidant. Prolonged absence of vitamin C in the diet leads to scurvy, a disease prevalent amongst early marine explorers who had little access to fresh fruit and vegetables. The biosynthetic … Read more

NOAA Fisheries announces international collaboration with UK organisations to study movement ecology of blue sharks in the eastern North Atlantic

The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Fisheries Apex Predators Program is kicking off a NOAA-funded International Science initiative this month, partnering with seven UK-based organisations and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to study potential climate-driven shifts in migratory corridors and stock identification of blue sharks in the eastern Atlantic … Read more