The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, has caused quite a stir in the last week following new sightings reported in Peterborough. This invasive non-native species (INNS) was first reported in the UK in 1935 in the River Thames, and currently there are 1137 records across the UK with 982 of these records held by DASSH, … Read more
Marine fungi researchers at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) have used molecular techniques to reveal exciting discoveries about marine symbiosis in the lichen Lichina pygmaea. Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. Historically considered a two-way relationship, some lichen symbioses have been … Read more
Today we are celebrating Marine Biology MRes graduate Max Kimble! During his placement at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) Max worked in the Sims lab, creating a species distribution model for the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) in the North Atlantic. Max looked at over 121 shark movement tracks, combined with satellite data, to reveal the … Read more
Over six million occurrence points of marine species and habitats are now freely available online thanks to the dedication and hard work of citizen scientists, researchers, and data experts from the Marine Biological Association (MBA). Occurrence records show where different species occur around the UK waters and are important for managing and conserving the UK’s … Read more
Marine habitats present specific and one-of-a-kind issues when it comes to observing, mapping, and monitoring biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Despite advancements made in Europe to collect, harmonise, and make available data on marine biodiversity, a large portion of the data that is currently being collected is unavailable and inaccessible; this type of data is referred … Read more
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Cefas Chief Executive Neil Hornby and Cefas Chief Scientist, Professor Grant Stentiford to the Marine Biological Association. They were welcomed to our laboratory in Plymouth by Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson. They were given a tour around our facilities to see our cutting-edge science laboratories and meet our … 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
Large marine animals such as sharks and whales have huge ecological, social, economic, and cultural importance, but are under great threat from collisions with ships. Copyright: Jeremy Stafford-Deitsch In a recent article published in the journal Nature, experts from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and University of Southampton (UoS) warn that coordinated action is needed … Read more
A recent report published by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has identified the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey as one of the top priorities for sustained ocean observations. 11 sustained in situ observation systems were evaluated through open consultation with the wider scientific community, following a request by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Professor … Read more
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) welcomed scientists from three USA universities as part of new collaborative project to better understand dynamic sinking behaviour in diatoms. Dr Glen Wheeler hosted Brad Gemmell, Associate Professor at the University of South Florida, Kevin Du Clos, Assistant Professor at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium and Professor Lee Karp-Boss from … 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