A Senior Research Fellow from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) has been recognised for their outstanding contributions to marine biology research with a prestigious award. Dr Dan Smale has been awarded the Prix d’Excellence by The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The award, which is presented every third year, acknowledges the … Read more
Marine species such as seagrasses, kelps, bivalves and corals play a crucial role in the world’s most diverse ecosystems, but they are increasing threatened by marine heatwaves. When marine heatwaves increase ocean temperatures, it can cause devastating effects for marine life with increased deaths and population declines. Scientists from the Marine Biological Association’s (MBA) Smale … Read more
From underwater videography to aerial drones, technological advancements in ocean observation have significantly enhanced our understanding of marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the marine environment. Scientists from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) are now able to collect data in real-time and monitor marine life in ways that were previously unimaginable. Cutting-edge … Read more
Historic kelp research at the Marine Biological Association The MBA has a long history of seaweed ecology. In the 1940s, Dr Mary Parke pioneered field surveys on the distribution and standing stock (biomass) of key kelp species. She also documented the presence of the Golden Kelp, Laminaria ochroleuca, in the UK for the first time. … Read more
Three Research Fellows have been appointed to lead ground-breaking research at the Marine Biological Association (MBA). The new Fellows bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the MBA and will be instrumental in leading research initiatives to address the most pressing challenges facing our ocean. Dr Angela Stevenson Exploring biodiversity in deep (subtidal to … Read more
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
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
Shellfish and seaweed farming offer potentially sustainable food sources and are increasingly recognised for their additional environmental benefits, but research into their value for fish populations is currently lacking. Researchers from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the University of Exeter teamed up to determine whether these aquaculture sites help or hinder fish abundance and … Read more
From the historical harbours and stunning coastlines of Scotland; to the dramatic cliffs and coves of Cornwall, researchers have traversed the length and breadth of the UK to collect DNA from marine life. Their goal is clear – to provide the tools for better understanding marine species around the UK and Ireland and create a … Read more
Mariko is an undergraduate marine biology student at the University of Plymouth and is passionate about anything to do with the ocean and marine life. Mariko, who completed a seven-month placement at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) as an Ecology Assistant in the Research Aquarium shares her experiences working in this unique research environment. What … 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