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
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 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
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
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
Two Marine Biological Association (MBA) Members were awarded prestigious bursaries to attend the European Coral Reef Symposium (ECRS). PhD student Judith Camps-Castella who studies Marine Biodiversity at the University of Barcelona and Marine Science Masters student Ana Ferreira Coelho from the University of Plymouth had the opportunity to network and enhance their marine skillsets at … Read more
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
From a record number of turtles, increased reporting of seal mortalities; to high percentages of sewage overflow spills, 2023 was an eventful year for sea life observations in the South West of England. The South-West Marine Ecosystems (The State of South-West Seas) Report for 2023 published by the Marine Biological Association (MBA), reflects the work … Read more
Historic kelp research at the Marine Biological Association The MBA has a long history of seaweed ecology. In the 1940s, Dr Mary Parke pioneered field surveys on the distribution and standing stock (biomass) of key kelp species. She also documented the presence of the Golden Kelp, Laminaria ochroleuca, in the UK for the first time. … Read more
Three Research Fellows have been appointed to lead groundbreaking research at the Marine Biological Association (MBA). The new Fellows bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the MBA and will be instrumental in leading research initiatives to address the most pressing challenges facing our ocean. Dr Bryce Stewart Searching for solutions that balance the … 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