Why sequence the genome of every species? Latest Southward Review explores the roots of biodiversity and exposes unseen links between species

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The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is delighted to announce the publication of the latest Southward Review in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association (JMBA). Written by leading evolutionary biologist Professor Peter Holland, the paper explores the question: Why sequence the genome of every species? In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking article, Professor Holland highlights how … Read more

Dr Dan Smale awarded Marsh Prize for groundbreaking climate change research

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We are proud to announce that Dr Dan Smale, Senior Research Fellow at the Marine Biological Association, has been awarded the Marsh Award for Climate Change Research by the British Ecological Society (BES). This prestigious honour recognises Dan’s exceptional contributions to understanding the ecological impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Dan’s research has been … Read more

Pioneering study uses eDNA to reveal intertidal biodiversity across UK shores

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A groundbreaking study, part-funded by the Marine Biological Association (MBA), has demonstrated the power of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to assess biodiversity in rocky intertidal zones across the UK. This is one of the first multi-scale applications of eDNA in these dynamic coastal environments, spanning a wide latitudinal gradient and offering new insights into how … Read more

MBA researchers visit the RRS Sir David Attenborough during Plymouth stopover

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Scientists at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) were invited to step aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough on its visit to Plymouth this week, as the state-of-the-art polar research vessel made a short stop at His Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport ahead of its next Antarctic mission. The RRS (Royal Research Ship), operated by the British … Read more

MBA’s Chief Executive represents UK marine science at UK–Taiwan bilateral meeting

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The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to announce that Chief Executive Professor Willie Wilson will represent UK marine science at the UK–Taiwan Bilateral International Meeting (BIM), taking place in London from 15 to 17 October 2025. Organised by The Royal Society and Academia Sinica, the event brings together leading scientists to explore the theme … Read more

From Cornwall to Scotland: The Rock Pool Project expands with seven new UK Hubs

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Calling all citizen scientists – one of Britain’s favourite seaside pastimes is going national. The Rock Pool Project has announced the launch of seven new hubs across the UK, bringing its Competitive Rock Pooling events to more coastal communities than ever before. Thanks to support from the ScottishPower Foundation, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and … Read more

Marine Biological Association welcomes landmark High Seas Treaty ratification

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The Marine Biological Association (MBA) has welcomed the ratification and imminent entry into force of the High Seas Treaty (formally the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, BBNJ). This landmark agreement marks a pivotal moment for ocean governance and biodiversity protection. “We enthusiastically welcome 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

Diatoms reveal survival strategy under nutrient co-limitation 

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Scientists at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the University of Exeter have discovered how tiny photosynthetic microbes known as phytoplankton prioritise resource use when nutrients are scarce, in a breakthrough that could reshape our understanding of the impacts of nutrient limitation on these important organisms, which form the base of marine food webs. 

Public surveys launched to investigate extraordinary ‘octopus bloom’ in South West waters

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The Marine Biological Association (MBA) has launched two public surveys to gather vital information on the unusual surge in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) numbers reported in the waters off the south coast of Devon and Cornwall this year. Numbers of octopus have been rising off the coast of Devon and Cornwall. c. Keith Hiscock MBE … 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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