The Marine Biological Association (MBA) welcomes the launch of the UK Marine Science Strategy (http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/documents/science/mscc/mscc-strategy.pdf).  The MBA has played an active role in the development of the Strategy and has been developing its own research, outreach and education activities which will help address the priorities outlined in the Strategy.  There is a long history at the MBA of research that addresses some of the key issues highlighted in the document; the MBA has some of the longest marine time-series in the world and an excellent track record in climate and ecosystems science.  The MBA therefore looks forward to contributing fully to its implementation in collaboration with its local and national partners.

The announcement by NERC of the merger between the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton and the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory to form the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is welcomed by the MBA.  The MBA looks forward to working closely with the NOC in its continued provision of National Capability for delivery of NERC marine science, and sees the formation of the NOC as a key step in long term co-ordination of UK marine science.