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

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 our research vessel, the RV … Read more

The Mesolens microscope transforming phytoplankton visualisation

The Marine Biological Association’s Microbiome Centre is home to unique and cutting-edge facilities which allow us to explore the cellular processes that shape the unique biology of marine life. Our world class microscopy equipment, including the Mesolens microscope, allow us to study marine organisms at cellular and subcellular resolution—and we’re proud to house one of … Read more

MBA RV Sepia undergoes major IT upgrade

The MBA’s IT department has significantly upgraded the data connectivity and computing facilities on the Sepia vessel, resulting in enhanced cybersecurity, operational efficiency, and resilience. Internet connectivity To fully leverage our MBA 365 ecosystem capabilities, we needed to enhance our data connectivity on the vessel to support frequent synchronisation. Therefore, we upgraded from a small … Read more

BBC Countryfile captures moment of connection as young rays are released into Plymouth Sound

In a heartening segment filmed for BBC’s Countryfile, presenter Vick Hope joined our team aboard the RV MBA Sepia for a special milestone: the release of young rays back into the waters of Plymouth Sound. The event marks a key moment in the Little Rays of Hope project — a collaborative initiative from the Marine … Read more

MBA celebrates Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS being named in TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025

The Marine Biological Association proudly congratulates Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, long-standing MBA Professional Member and globally renowned marine scientist, on being named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. This prestigious accolade recognises Professor Thompson’s pioneering work in marine environmental science, particularly his world-leading research on marine litter and microplastics. Professor … Read more

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

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

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

Ocean science meets innovation: Darite Marine Marvels win First Lego League competition

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) plays a pivotal role in studying and protecting our ocean. Our innovative research, which includes tracking marine species and investigating the effects of climate change on marine life, is shaping our understanding of oceanography. This year, a group of talented students from Darite Primary Academy had the unique opportunity to … 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