Southwest tides made visible through art, science and an old Ford Fiesta
Photos courtesy of Sea for Yourself/David Cotterrell.
Our Facilities
New field guide to crustaceans features original illustrations from the MBA archive
A new Seasearch Guide, Marine Crustaceans of Britain and Ireland has recently been published, featuring illustrations by Dr Marie Lebour (1877-1971), sourced from the MBA archive. Written by MBA Members Lin Baldock and Charlotte Bolton and also co-authored by Iain M.T. Dixon, this photographic identification guide is an invaluable guide to species identification of this … Read more
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
Creating educational content with students from Eat That Frog
Last month the National Marine Biological Library supported students from the Plymouth branch of Eat That Frog. Eat That Frog provides specialist post-16 and adult training, enabling learners to develop their skills and overcome barriers. One of their key programmes is to provide post-16 students with work placement experiences in a variety of professional fields, … Read more
MBA-led study advances whale shark tagging techniques to support global conservation
International MBA-led study is helping to transform how researchers study the world’s largest known living fish species, offering practical guidance to improve whale shark tagging techniques and strengthen conservation efforts.
Bloomin’ Octopus! New film explores the science behind the octopus surge in the southwest
Filmmaker and diver David Palfrey expected a routine dive off the Cornish coast—but instead encountered something extraordinary: octopus after octopus, gathered in open water and observing him in return. These surprising encounters inspired Bloomin’ Octopus! A Tentacular Spectacular, a new short film exploring the remarkable ‘octopus bloom’ in southwest England in 2025.
Shaping the future of sustainable scallop potting
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) recently hosted a collaborative Scallop Potting Workshop, bringing together fishermen, regulators, researchers, industry representatives, businesses, and environmental NGOs for a full day of focused discussion on the future of this promising low‑impact fishery.
Essex University students explore marine life hands-on at the MBA
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) recently welcomed a group of students from the University of Essex to Plymouth for a day of immersive fieldwork, lab exploration, and rocky shore discovery in an experience that they variously described as “inspiring”, “eye‑opening”, and “transformative” for their ambitions to pursue a career in marine science.
Octopus bloom off Southwest UK: New report reveals scale, causes and consequences
A new report led by the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), the University of Plymouth and an independent consultant has revealed that a dramatic population bloom of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) off the Southwest coast of the UK is having significant effects on fisheries and marine ecosystems.
