UN-backed global research movement shows benefits of tracking ocean giants for marine conservation

A team of international scientists has tracked over 100 marine megafauna species, identifying the most critical locations in our global ocean for better marine conservation efforts, according to new research published in Science.

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

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

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.

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

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

Marine Biological Association Postgraduates sweep awards at prestigious PlyMSEF2025 Conference

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of its postgraduate students, who secured an impressive five awards at the Annual PlyMSEF2025 Postgraduate Student Conference held at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The conference, organised by the Plymouth Marine Science and Education Foundation (PlyMSEF), brought together early-career researchers from five leading marine institutions … Read more

Invasive non-native species: Understanding the basics

Following Invasive Species Week last week, and for the start of the the Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz, MBA Associate Fellow, Dr John Bishop, explains the basics of understanding non-native species and the threats they pose to our native coastal marine life. What are invasive (non-native) species? Non-native species are those that are living … Read more

Local fishermen and marine scientists come together to create sustainable future for pollack

DEFRA Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, met with the team behind the Pollack Fisheries Industry Science Partnership (FISP) during a visit to Plymouth this week.  Pollack FISP is a pioneering collaboration bringing together recreational charter skippers, commercial fishers, and scientists to better understand pollack stocks and the future of the … Read more

Protecting the Irish Sea: Working together for ocean monitoring and plankton research 

The Irish Sea is one of the UK’s most economically and ecologically important marine regions. Supporting everything from biodiversity and renewable energy to fisheries and coastal communities, it is under increasing pressure from pollution, climate change, and intensive human use. At the forefront of efforts to understand and protect this vital ecosystem is the Marine … Read more

Help protect UK coasts from harmful species this Invasive Species Week

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is calling on members of the public to get involved this UK Invasive Species Week (12–19 May 2025) in safeguarding the UK’s precious marine environments from harmful invasive species (also known as non-native species).