How can we forecast climate tipping points? By capturing the pulse of our ocean.

Backed by a £3.75M award from the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), the UK Government’s new high-risk, high-reward funding agency, the CANARY project, led by researchers at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the University of Plymouth (UoP), will revolutionise how we forecast climate tipping points. CANARY’s transformative approach focuses on plankton as the … Read more

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

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

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

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

18 times to the moon and back – Ocean monitoring programme celebrates new record breaking distance

  7.5 million nautical miles, 18 times to the moon and back or 655 times the size of the Great Wall of China – this is the new total distance covered by the world’s largest marine monitoring programme, the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey. Operated by the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, the CPR Survey collects … Read more

Advancing plankton research through new laboratory facilities

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is delighted to announce the opening of new laboratories which will further enhance vital planktonic research. The Plankton Taxonomy Laboratory is the new home of the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey which is one of the world’s longest running and most geographically extensive marine ecological surveys. The Garfield Weston Foundation kindly agreed … Read more

Plymouth scientists play key role in global Plankton Manifesto

David Johns, Head of the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey operated by the Marine Biological Association (MBA) has played an integral role in driving the development of the first ever global Plankton Manifesto. The landmark document, unveiled during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasises the critical role of … Read more

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