Condolences for MBA Fellow John Spencer

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is saddened to learn of the passing of MBA Fellow and long-standing Member John Spencer, LRIC, BSc, PGCE, AMIQA, Mem. MBA, PP2, PHF, whose distinguished career in marine and environmental science spanned more than three decades and whose commitment to education and public service continued throughout his retirement. John worked … Read more

Sri Lankan shark conference dreams realised thanks to MBA Student Travel Bursary

Daniel Hampton, a Marine Biology Masters graduate from the University of Southampton, was awarded the MBA Student Travel Bursary earlier this year to travel to Sri Lanka for the Sharks International 2026 conference. Held once every four years, the conference hosted by Blue Resources Trust brought together around 800 attendees from more than 80 countries … Read more

Octopus bloom providing a feast for Devon’s Risso’s dolphins

Remarkable images of a Risso’s dolphin appearing to be ‘ridden’ by an octopus providing striking evidence of how an ongoing bloom in octopus numbers may be affecting marine wildlife in the sea off the Devon and Cornwall coast.

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

UK seas face major food chain disruption as plankton shift, scientists predict

Marine scientists warn that continued warming of UK waters is likely to cause major changes to plankton, the tiny drifting plants and animals that form the foundation of marine food webs and feed the fish that end up on our plates.

Calling all citizen scientists! Discover Cornwall’s coastal wildlife at the 2026 Community BioBlitz Festival 

Families, local residents, and wildlife enthusiasts are invited to join a fun-filled 24 hours of coastal exploration, wildlife discovery and hands-on activities at The Rock Pool Project’s Community BioBlitz Festival in Cornwall on 29-30 August.

Women in Ocean Science Ambassadors visit the National Marine Biological Library

Women in Ocean Science University Ambassadors Katie Thiessen and Georgia Dixon recently visited staff at the National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) to explore the Marine Biological Association’s archive and discuss collaborative opportunities for celebrating local women in marine science.

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

MBA to play key role in project to improve protection for sharks in English waters

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is playing a critical role in a major new conservation project that will help to improve understanding and protection of some of England’s most iconic shark species. Led by the University of Exeter and supported through Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, the three-year project, From data to action: comprehensive assessment … Read more