Mystery sea slug found off Lundy could be new undescribed species

A brightly coloured sea slug spotted by a local citizen scientist and diver off Lundy has sparked interest from marine experts. In a potentially significant development, the discovery has attracted the attention of a leading nudibranch specialist who suspects the striking creature may represent a species never before recorded by science. The tiny but striking … Read more

Warming seas fuel spread of harmful algal mega-blooms in the Bering Sea

Scientists have uncovered new evidence that climate change is driving toxin-producing harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Pacific Arctic, raising concerns for marine wildlife, fisheries and the coastal communities that depend on the region’s resources. The Marine Biological Association (MBA) led research focuses on the Pacific Arctic region, which is warming faster than almost any … Read more

Interdisciplinary workshop sparks new opportunities in marine research

Researchers from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute (LSI) recently attended an interdisciplinary workshop focused on the cell and environmental biology of marine microbes and plankton. The event brought together academics working across a diverse range of disciplines, including marine microbiology, biophysics, structural biology, cell biology and ecology. … Read more

Supporting future leaders in marine biology: Two major MBA funding opportunities now live

We are pleased to announce the opening of two prestigious funding opportunities designed to support early career and established marine biologists: the Ray Lankester Investigatorship and the Peter Baker Investigatorship. Ray Lankester Investigatorship The Ray Lankester Investigatorship offers established researchers the chance to pursue independent marine biological research at the Marine Biological Association (MBA). The … Read more

Research in algae provides insight into the origins of the animal nervous system

A new study indicates that major components of the animal nervous system are found in marine algae and play important roles in cellular communication. Multicellular organisms have developed many mechanisms to allow communication between individual cells. In animals, the amino acid glutamate acts as a neurotransmitter, allowing the transfer of information between neurons in the … Read more

Marine Licence granted for pioneering kelp restoration project

A new marine licence has been approved for an innovative project aiming to revive British kelp beds. This is the first time the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) have granted a marine licence for kelp restoration activities in the UK. Kelp forests are vital to marine ecosystems providing habitat, food, and breeding grounds for marine species, … Read more

The quirky bodies of crinoids could shed light on the past while inspiring future innovations and cell therapies.

Crinoids, (known commonly as feather stars and sea lillies) are part of the echinoderm group that includes sea urchins and sea stars. They have shown incredible morphological and biological properties that could inspire future innovations. Dr Angela Stevenson, Senior Research Fellow at the Marine Biological Association is on a mission to discover more about the … Read more

Ocean is Life: Celebrating the winners of the MBA Member Photo Competition 2024

We are delighted to announce the winners of the MBA Membership Photo Competition 2024! After receiving an overwhelming number of submissions from talented MBA Members from all over the world, fellow MBA Members selected the winners who truly captured the essence of the competition’s theme, Ocean is Life. These winners have not only showcased their … Read more

Marine Biological Association Trustee Appointed OBE

We are pleased to announce that a Marine Biological Association (MBA) Trustee has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to marine conservation and research. Professor Rosalind Rickaby OBE FRS, marine biogeochemist and Chair of Geology in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University … Read more

International Blue Shark Tagging Project Success in 2024

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) has been a key part of a new international collaboration focused on studying the movement ecology of sharks. In 2024, this research initiative reached new heights, with significant advancements in the number of sharks tagged. The project, which involved tagging and tracking blue sharks (Prionace glauca) in the eastern North … Read more