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
An innovative underwater intake line will not only support the flourishing marine life in Plymouth Sound, but also provide a vital channel for seawater to the Marine Biological Association (MBA). After two years of careful consideration and planning, a team of expert engineers and technicians have developed the Seawater Life Support, a new water intake … Read more
Scientists at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) were delighted to welcome a United Nations Senior Advisor to its headquarters in Plymouth. Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor on Oceans to the UN Global Compact visited marine biologists from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey to learn more about the pioneering plankton research being conducted at the MBA. … Read more
Kelp forests play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by providing habitat and food for a diverse range of marine species. However, various factors such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing have led to a decline in kelp populations across the world, posing a significant threat to the health of coastal ecosystems. Scientists at the … Read more
An ambitious project to sequence the genomes of all eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland has passed a major milestone. Over 1,000 genomes have now been produced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project – a collaboration between ten leading research organisations and funded by Wellcome. The Darwin Tree of Life project … Read more
Dr Dan Smale, Senior Research Fellow at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) has been named in the Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher List for 2023. Researchers who have demonstrated significant and broad influence in the field of research are selected for the annual acknowledgment. Each researcher selected has authored multiple Highly Cited Papers™ which rank in … Read more
With record-high temperatures combined with extreme climate and weather patterns; researchers say we must help communities plan how best to reduce the risks. © Underwater Earth / XL Catlin Seaview Survey / Christophe Bailhache Since April 2023, the global average temperature of water on the surface of the sea has been unusually high and rising. … 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