Researchers have found compelling evidence that intense, summertime Marine Heatwaves play a significant role in the decline of vital marine species. Marine heatwaves are periods of abnormally high seawater temperatures that are unusual for a particular season and region. These extreme weather events can become stressful for marine life, affecting their ability to grow, reproduce … Read more
We are pleased to announce the successful deployment of the Seawater Life Support, an innovative system that connects the Marine Biological Association’s (MBA) Research Aquarium to the sea. The new 27- metre-long intake line which has a lifespan of up to 30 years, is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for supporting marine life in … 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
Dr Cordelia Roberts is a Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Marine Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry, and previously completed an MRes and PhD at the Marine Biological Association (MBA). As a researcher Cordelia is interested in looking at dead, dying and faecal material in the ocean (similar to leaf litter on land) which form sinking and suspended … Read more
New research sheds light on tiny plankton, which can make up more than 70% of the plankton biomass found in the ocean. Tiny plankton – measuring less than 20µm (or 0.02mm) in diameter – make up the majority of plankton in the ocean and play a critical role in the planet’s health, according to new … Read more
Since 2018, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provided £2.5M to the Marine Business Technology Centre (MBTC) in Devon. This has accelerated the development of marine innovation. It was originally introduced to provide support for businesses in Devon and Plymouth to develop and test new marine technology and thereby support long-term innovation and growth in … Read more
The ocean has reached its highest average surface temperature, breaking a record high from 2016, according to the EU’s climate change service Copernicus. The ocean helps regulate our climate, produces most of the oxygen we breathe and is home to a vast range of species. It reached 20.96C (69.73F) – far above the average for … Read more
Volunteer citizen scientists and professionals have developed a report to show changes in the ocean and marine life around the South West region of the UK. The State of the South West Seas in 2022 Report brings the marine and coastal community together to consider the changes that are taking place in the South West. … Read more
With 2023 on track to be the hottest year on record, scientists are working to understand and predict how these extreme temperatures will affect marine life. BBC Countryfile visited the Marine Biological Association (MBA) to discover how plankton are an essential part of life both above and below the waves, and how warming temperatures will affect … Read more
We are delighted to report recent awards for both our MBA Trustees and Fellow for their deserved recognition for their dedication to marine science. MBA Trustee, Professor Mark Bailey OBE for services to microbial ecology and environmental leadership. After graduating with a degree in microbiology and a PhD in insect virology, Mark spent four years … 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