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.

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.

MBA Archive on the move

Until recently, the MBA Archive collections have been housed in two store rooms within the library, but a project to relocate the collections to one main store within the Citadel Hill laboratory is now coming to its conclusion.

Winter must-reads from the National Marine Biological Library

Looking for the perfect book to curl up with this winter? If you love the ocean, marine life and the stories behind our ocean, these three titles – reviewed in The Marine Biologist magazine – are essential additions to your reading list. Plus, MBA Members enjoy exclusive discounts when purchasing through the publishers!

The Marine Biological Association’s long history of fisheries management research

The release earlier this year of Ocean with David Attenborough, and the accompanying book, Ocean Earth’s Last Wilderness, have served as timely reminders of the vital role the ocean plays in the health and resilience of our planet. MBA researchers, including Senior Research Fellow Dr Bryce Stewart, were actively involved in the making of the film.

Historic seaweed surveys reveal long-term changes in UK’s kelp forests

A new scientific study has unearthed compelling insights into how the UK’s iconic kelp forests are responding to climate change — by revisiting seaweed surveys first conducted over 80 years ago by legendary MBA marine biologist Dr Mary Parke FRS. Published in the journal Diversity and Distributions, the study – Intra and inter-decadal scale variability … Read more

Uncovering the mystery of fishes – illustrations in the MBA Archive

Since its establishment, the MBA recognised the importance of library facilities to support scientific research, which led to the development of one of the world’s largest marine reference libraries, the National Marine Biological Library (NMBL). In addition to our extensive library, we also house an archive that contains thousands of unique items. This archive preserves … Read more

Marine Biological Association 140 Anniversary: Recollections of World War II air raids at MBA

By Cynthia Mansell and Chris Bennett, National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) Volunteers During the 2nd World War there were several air raids which affected the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the people that worked and lived there. Dr Stanley Kemp at the time was the Director of the MBA and he, his wife and daughter … Read more

Marine Biological Association 140 Anniversary: A hub of marine knowledge

As the Marine Biological Association (MBA) celebrates its 140th anniversary, we continue to be a leading voice in marine science and conservation, driving positive change for our ocean and the future of our planet. Our National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) is one of the largest marine reference libraries in the world. Its vast collection of … Read more