Octopus bloom: We must “plan for a future where these changes may become more frequent” says leading marine scientist

C. Kirsty Andrews | Octopus being harassed by cuckoo wrasse The Marine Biological Association (MBA) has released new findings from the second major scientific study documenting an unprecedented surge, or “bloom”, of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) off the southwest coast of the UK since 2025. The event is the largest recorded in at least 75 … Read more

Welcoming Dr. Martin Stelfox as Fellow of the MBA

The MBA is proud to welcome Dr. Martin Stelfox as a new Fellow of the Marine Biological Association (FMBA). Dr Stelfoxis a marine biologist, conservation leader, and founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), an international conservation charity dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats. Over the past two decades, he … Read more

Five years of Marine Research Plymouth Alliance: driving global impact from the UK

This five-year anniversary underscores the strength and longevity of the partnership and its growing impact on both regional and international stages;demonstrating the power of collaboration in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our ocean – discover what we’ve achieved together in that time. Bringing together the internationally renowned expertise of Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), … Read more

Excellence in plankton science: Sixth NMBAQC zooplankton ring test hosted at MBA

Excellence in plankton science: Sixth NMBAQC zooplankton ring test hosted at MBA The sixth official zooplankton component exercise of the NMBAQC (Northeast Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control) scheme NMBAQC – NMBAQC has successfully wrapped up, continuing its tradition of scientific collaboration and skills benchmarking.  Hosted by the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey at the … Read more

MBA team launches whale shark tagging mission in Mexico

The MBA’s Sims Group team of researchers have travelled to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico for a whale shark tagging expedition. The aim of the ERC-funded research expedition to the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) in the Gulf of California (GoC) is to attach custom-made oxygen, temperature, deep-depth, and body movement-sensing tags to adult female … Read more

MBA scientists lead on global ocean observation at the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting

From the left: Dr Mathilde Lindhart (University of Plymouth), Professor Willie Wilson (MBA) and Dan Jones (PML) Marine life, climate change, and ocean health took centre stage at this year’s Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM26). Held in Glasgow from 22–27 February, the conference brought together thousands of researchers to share new insights and breakthroughs in understanding … Read more

Celebrating the legacy of pioneering women in science at the MBA

For more than a century, women at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) have shaped the global understanding of life in the ocean. From the early 1900s – when women in science faced significant social and institutional barriers – to the present day, these researchers have driven discovery, advanced methods, and built the foundations of modern marine biology. This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the achievements of our female scientists past and present.

Winter must-reads from the National Marine Biological Library

Looking for the perfect book to curl up with this winter? If you love the ocean, marine life and the stories behind our ocean, these three titles – reviewed in The Marine Biologist magazine – are essential additions to your reading list. Plus, MBA Members enjoy exclusive discounts when purchasing through the publishers!