Plymouth scientists play key role in global Plankton Manifesto

David Johns, Head of the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey operated by the Marine Biological Association (MBA) has played an integral role in driving the development of the first ever global Plankton Manifesto. The landmark document, unveiled during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasises the critical role of … Read more

Seawater Life Support Project Shortlisted for Two Prestigious IET Awards

The collaborative Seawater Life Support Project has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). These accolades are in recognition of contributions to engineering excellence and sustainability, as well as a commitment to collaborative innovation within the sector. The nominated project was undertaken for Marine Biological Association (MBA) and … Read more

MBA Staff Spotlight: David Johns

Our Staff Spotlight highlights and celebrates the outstanding work of our team members. With a wide range of roles at the Marine Biological Association, we hope these small glimpses into the diverse expertise and individual passions will deepen the connection between the MBA and the public. David Johns is the Director of Research Facilities at … Read more

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom – A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation

The Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (JMBA) has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1887. For over a century, JMBA has been at the forefront of marine biology research, publishing groundbreaking studies and discoveries that have contributed significantly to the field. With a focus on the marine … Read more

Urgent need to understand how reduced oxygen levels can harm ocean predators

Oxygen is essential to the survival of the majority of marine organisms. Since the mid-20th century, scientists have noticed a reduction in oxygen levels in the ocean, and these declines are forecast to continue in the coming decades. With the levels of dissolved oxygen in open and coastal waters decreasing, there is currently little understanding … Read more

Marine heatwaves threaten important marine species in British waters

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

140 Years: How technology is advancing marine science

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

Plymouth Graduate recognised for outstanding academic achievement with MBA Prize

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s prestigious MBA prize. The prize is awarded annually to recognise outstanding contributions to the field of marine biology and recognises the significant impact that individuals can have in advancing our knowledge of marine ecosystems and their conservation. Leila Scheltema, who has … Read more

Measuring deoxygenation effects on marine predators

Most living organisms need oxygen to survive, grow and reproduce, and the same is true for ocean predators such as sharks. Global climate-driven ocean warming has decreased the levels of oxygen in the ocean, leading to expansions of ‘dead’ or hypoxic zones. These zones can affect the movements, behaviour, and distributions of marine animals, but … Read more