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Excellence in plankton science: Sixth NMBAQC zooplankton ring test hosted at MBA

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Excellence in plankton science: Sixth NMBAQC zooplankton ring test hosted at MBA The sixth official zooplankton component exercise of the NMBAQC (Northeast Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control) scheme NMBAQC – NMBAQC has successfully wrapped up, continuing its tradition of scientific collaboration and skills benchmarking.  Hosted by the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey at the Marine Biological Association (MBA), continuing a programme that has been … Read more

Unlocking the value of biodiversity: report highlights economic impact of the Darwin Tree of Life project

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A new economic analysis has shown that sequencing the DNA of all complex life in the UK and Ireland could deliver up to almost £3 billion in benefits to the economy over the next 30 years, with wide‑ranging impacts across agriculture, conservation, and research and innovation.

One-stop ocean data hub could be key to protecting the ocean and coastal communities

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Defra recently published the findings of a joint project between the Marine Biological Association (MBA), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN), reviewing the current landscape for marine social and economic data.

Winter must-reads from the National Marine Biological Library

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Looking for the perfect book to curl up with this winter? If you love the ocean, marine life and the stories behind our ocean, these three titles – reviewed in The Marine Biologist magazine – are essential additions to your reading list. Plus, MBA Members enjoy exclusive discounts when purchasing through the publishers!

Ocean under pressure: warming seas weaken Earth’s greatest carbon sink, threatening marine life and livelihoods

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Earth’s natural defences are losing strength as temperatures rise, major new report warns. The planet’s natural carbon sinks – the ocean, forests and soils – are reaching their limits, absorbing less carbon than expected and risking a major setback to global climate targets, according to a major new report launched today ahead of COP30. The … Read more

New marine tardigrade ‘water bear’ species discovered

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Scientists from Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) have discovered a new marine tardigrade species, Batillipes malaysianus, found along the shores of Labuan. Lead researcher Associate Professor Dr Cheng-Ann Chen said the discovery stems from field surveys conducted on 29 November 2023 and 16 September 2024 (Malaysia Day). He said the … Read more

Historic seaweed surveys reveal long-term changes in UK’s kelp forests

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A new scientific study has unearthed compelling insights into how the UK’s iconic kelp forests are responding to climate change — by revisiting seaweed surveys first conducted over 80 years ago by legendary MBA marine biologist Dr Mary Parke FRS. Published in the journal Diversity and Distributions, the study – Intra and inter-decadal scale variability … Read more

How the Marine Biological Association is shaping the global dialogue on marine conservation

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As advocates of the world of marine observation and conservation gather in Nice for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), the Marine Biological Association (MBA), led by CEO Professor Willie Wilson, will play a central role in shaping the global dialogue on ocean science, observation, and conservation.

What is eDNA and why is it a game changer for ocean observation and conservation?

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If you’ve just watched Ocean with David Attenborough and found yourself awed by the beauty and fragility of marine life, you’re not alone. Along with the millions of others who watched this in turns devastating yet hopeful documentary, you may be asking: How can we better understand and protect life beneath the waves? One of … Read more

Ocean science brought to life through stunning photography at ‘Coast’ Exhibition in Plymouth’s Royal William yard

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The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to be taking part in Coast – a contemporary pop-up gallery exhibition celebrating our deep connection with the sea – alongside local artists, conservation partners, and the wider Plymouth community. Held in the historic Melville Building at Royal William Yard, from 6 to 22 June 2025, Coast coincides … Read more

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The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom is a registered charity in England and Wales (1155893), and is a company limited by Royal Charter (RC000865). The Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea.

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