Can amphipods be used to detect toxins from harmful algae blooms?

Meet Ethan, a final year undergraduate student in marine biology at the University of Plymouth. Ethan is investigating whether amphipods, specifically Gammarus chevreuxi, can be used to detect toxins from harmful marine algae, including those that cause ‘red tide’ blooms. These tiny Crustaceans, commonly found in brackish waters along the UK and European coasts, could … Read more

MBA Member wins Christmas Card Competition

We are excited to announce that a proud Member of the Marine Biological Association (MBA) community has emerged victorious in this year’s Christmas card competition. Throughout 2024, MBA Members have submitted their best Ocean-inspired photography, capturing scenes of marine wildlife, seascapes, and more for our 2024 “Ocean is Life” Photography Competition. Images poured into our … Read more

New funding will empower the next generation of marine biology researchers

Major funding has been allocated to support the next generation of biology and environmental researchers. The investment of more than £500 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support doctoral students to develop their skills and experience across biological sciences, engineering and physical sciences and natural and environmental sciences. The Marine Biological Association (MBA) … Read more

Join us in shaping the future of marine science!

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is on a mission to gather valuable insights from non-Members. As one of the oldest marine research organisations in the world, the MBA is at the forefront of protecting marine ecosystems and combating the impacts of climate change. But to continue shaping the future of our ocean, we need your … Read more

18 times to the moon and back – Ocean monitoring programme celebrates new record breaking distance

  7.5 million nautical miles, 18 times to the moon and back or 655 times the size of the Great Wall of China – this is the new total distance covered by the world’s largest marine monitoring programme, the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey. Operated by the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, the CPR Survey collects … Read more

Unlocking secrets of cephalopod behaviour with the Marine Biological Association and University of Cambridge

Cephalopods like cuttlefish have long fascinated scientists with their remarkable ability to rapidly change their outward appearance. Now researchers are on a mission to understand the inner workings of their minds. The Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the Comparative Cognition Lab at the University of Cambridge have joined forces in a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at … Read more

COP16 – what’s going on in our ocean?

This week, representatives from around the globe are gathering in Colombia for the UN biodiversity summit (COP16), to discuss the state of life on our blue planet. Following the historic deal to halt the destruction of ecosystems agreed at COP15, this year’s meeting will see attendees discussing progress towards biodiversity targets and negotiating agreements on … Read more

Marine Biological Association 140 Anniversary: Reflections on training at the MBA in the 1960s

MBA Member John Spencer was a Research Officer for Central Electricity Research Laboratories (CEGB) and was out stationed to Peake’s Farm Laboratory, Bradwell Nuclear Power Station in Essex. John’s first visit to the Marine Biological Association (MBA) was around 1963 to attend a training course for National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) chemists about to take … Read more

Whale shark shipping collisions may increase as the ocean warms

Global warming could increase the threat posed to whale sharks from large ships, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change. Researchers from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and University of Southampton predict that increased ocean temperatures will see this already endangered species driven into new habitats crossed by busy shipping lanes. The … Read more