MBA researchers visit the RRS Sir David Attenborough during Plymouth stopover

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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

MBA Data Manager appointed Co-chair of key UK marine data working group

Chloe Figueroa Ashforth from DASSH at the Marine Biological Association has been appointed as the new Co-chair of the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) Communications Working Group.  Chloe will work alongside fellow Co-chair Charlotte Miskin-Hymas from the MEDIN Core Team, and will represent the MEDIN Communications Working Group on the MEDIN Executive Team. … Read more

‘No Data, No Action’: MBA key to shaping global ocean policy

Professor Willie Wilson and POGO partners deliver a unified call for ocean observing systems following UNOC3. The Marine Biological Association’s Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson, played a key advisory role for the recent UN Ocean Decade conference (UNOC3) offering vital guidance to policymakers and politicians engaged in the heart of the negotiations. Willie represented the … Read more