Ocean Biology | Marine Biological Association

Marine Biological Association Postgraduates sweep awards at prestigious PlyMSEF2025 Conference

May 21, 2025 by Amy Schofield

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of its postgraduate students, who secured an impressive seven 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

Marine Biological Association makes key contribution to new documentary film Ocean with David Attenborough

May 13, 2025May 8, 2025 by Caitlin Hodges

Senior Research Fellow Dr Bryce Stewart and the Marine Biological Association’s (MBA) research vessel ‘Sepia’ played a vital role in helping to create key sequences in the film and ensuring its scientific accuracy. Dr Bryce Stewart, Senior Research Fellow for Fisheries and Conservation at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and Associate Professor at the University … Read more

Urgent policy action needed to reverse decline in UK fisheries and protect coastal communities

Apr 14, 2025 by Caitlin Hodges

A major new study co-authored by the Marine Biological Association (MBA) has issued a stark warning that the UK is at serious risk of losing the wide-reaching benefits of its sustainable fisheries unless urgent action is taken. The paper, Recognising and Protecting the National Benefit of Sustainable Fisheries in the UK, highlights the deepening decline … Read more

Global marine research boosted by MV Kaying’s role in Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey

Apr 17, 2025Apr 14, 2025 by Caitlin Hodges

Plankton may be among the smallest creatures in the ocean, but their significance is anything but small. These microscopic organisms, from tiny fish larvae to single-celled algae, hold key insights into the health of our ocean and the broader impacts of climate change. Through the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey, a collaboration led by the … Read more

Could extreme ocean environments hold the key to locating mysterious shark birthing grounds?

Feb 19, 2025 by Caitlin Hodges

New research from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) aims to shed light on one of the greatest mysteries of the natural world – where do sharks go to give birth? Sharks have inhabited the world’s ocean for over 400 million years, surviving mass extinctions and shaping marine ecosystems. However, little is known about their reproductive … Read more

Celebrating trailblazing women in marine science on International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Feb 12, 2025Feb 11, 2025 by Caitlin Hodges

Since its founding in 1884, the Marine Biological Association has been home to many pioneering female scientists who have made groundbreaking contributions to the scientific community. The MBA takes great pride in its diverse team of female scientists, whose contributions continue to shape the future of marine research. “I am thrilled to follow in the … Read more

International Blue Shark Tagging Project Success in 2024

Jan 8, 2025Jan 8, 2025 by Neri Campbell

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

Ambitious study to explore effects of offshore wind farms on ocean life

Dec 4, 2024Dec 4, 2024 by Neri Campbell

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) will play a key role in an ambitious new project exploring the consequences of floating offshore wind farms (FLOW) on life throughout the marine food chain. The FRONTLINE project will employ state-of-the-art technologies – including autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), satellite remote sensing, digital video aerial surveys and seabird and fisheries … Read more

Can amphipods be used to detect toxins from harmful algae blooms?

Nov 27, 2024Nov 27, 2024 by Caitlin Hodges

Meet Ethan, a final year undergraduate student in marine biology at the University of Plymouth. Ethan is investigating whether amphipods, specifically Gammarus chevreuxi, can be used to detect toxins from harmful marine algae, including those that cause ‘red tide’ blooms. These tiny Crustaceans, commonly found in brackish waters along the UK and European coasts, could … Read more

New funding will empower the next generation of marine biology researchers

Nov 20, 2024 by Neri Campbell

Major funding has been allocated to support the next generation of biology and environmental researchers. The investment of more than £500 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support doctoral students to develop their skills and experience across biological sciences, engineering and physical sciences and natural and environmental sciences. The Marine Biological Association (MBA) … Read more

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