MBA Staff Spotlight: David Johns

Our Staff Spotlight highlights and celebrates the outstanding work of our team members. With a wide range of roles at the Marine Biological Association, we hope these small glimpses into the diverse expertise and individual passions will deepen the connection between the MBA and the public. David Johns is the Director of Research Facilities at … Read more

140 Years: How technology is advancing marine science

From underwater videography to aerial drones, technological advancements in ocean observation have significantly enhanced our understanding of marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the marine environment. Scientists from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) are now able to collect data in real-time and monitor marine life in ways that were previously unimaginable. Cutting-edge … Read more

New programme is launched in the fight against climate change

Four leading UK marine research institutions are joining forces to explore the ocean’s role in mitigating climate change. The Marine Biological Association (MBA), National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) are collaborating in the marine science research programme. The Atlantic Climate and Environment Strategic Science (AtlantiS) … Read more

Explore Ocean Science at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

The UK National Oceanography Centre in partnership with Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) will be bringing ocean science to the Royal Society Summer Science Festival this year, to tell the compelling story of how we are all connected to the ocean, and how … Read more

UN Senior Advisor visits the Marine Biological Association

Scientists at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) were delighted to welcome a United Nations Senior Advisor to its headquarters in Plymouth. Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor on Oceans to the UN Global Compact visited marine biologists from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey to learn more about the pioneering plankton research being conducted at the MBA. … Read more

New study reveals link between climate change, oceanic circulation and dinoflagellates

Researchers from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) have led a study to discover why dinoflagellates are declining in northern regions of our ocean. Climate warming poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems worldwide, and scientists have documented considerable changes in plankton in the Northeast Atlantic. Plankton are a diverse collection of tiny organisms found in … Read more

Small but mighty – study highlights the abundance and importance of the ocean’s tiniest inhabitants

New research sheds light on tiny plankton, which can make up more than 70% of the plankton biomass found in the ocean. Tiny plankton – measuring less than 20µm (or 0.02mm) in diameter – make up the majority of plankton in the ocean and play a critical role in the planet’s health, according to new … Read more

The MBA and Cefas – 120 Years of Collaboration

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Cefas Chief Executive Neil Hornby and Cefas Chief Scientist, Professor Grant Stentiford to the Marine Biological Association. They were welcomed to our laboratory in Plymouth by Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson. They were given a tour around our facilities to see our cutting-edge science laboratories and meet our … Read more

CPR Survey recognised as high priority for sustained ocean observing

A recent report published by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has identified the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey as one of the top priorities for sustained ocean observations. 11 sustained in situ observation systems were evaluated through open consultation with the wider scientific community, following a request by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Professor … Read more

BBC Countryfile visits Marine Biological Association to learn about ocean warming and plankton, the ‘unsung heroes’ of the sea.

With 2023 on track to be the hottest year on record, scientists are working to understand and predict how these extreme temperatures will affect marine life. BBC Countryfile visited the Marine Biological Association (MBA) to discover how plankton are an essential part of life both above and below the waves, and how warming temperatures will affect … Read more