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
As advocates of the world of marine observation and conservation gather in Nice for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), the Marine Biological Association (MBA), led by CEO Professor Willie Wilson, will play a central role in shaping the global dialogue on ocean science, observation, and conservation.
If you’ve just watched Ocean with David Attenborough and found yourself awed by the beauty and fragility of marine life, you’re not alone. Along with the millions of others who watched this in turns devastating yet hopeful documentary, you may be asking: How can we better understand and protect life beneath the waves? One of … Read more
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to be taking part in Coast – a contemporary pop-up gallery exhibition celebrating our deep connection with the sea – alongside local artists, conservation partners, and the wider Plymouth community. Held in the historic Melville Building at Royal William Yard, from 6 to 22 June 2025, Coast coincides … Read more
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of its postgraduate students, who secured an impressive five awards at the Annual PlyMSEF2025 Postgraduate Student Conference held at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The conference, organised by the Plymouth Marine Science and Education Foundation (PlyMSEF), brought together early-career researchers from five leading marine institutions … Read more
Following Invasive Species Week last week, and for the start of the the Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz, MBA Associate Fellow, Dr John Bishop, explains the basics of understanding non-native species and the threats they pose to our native coastal marine life. What are invasive (non-native) species? Non-native species are those that are living … Read more
DEFRA Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, met with the team behind the Pollack Fisheries Industry Science Partnership (FISP) during a visit to Plymouth this week. Pollack FISP is a pioneering collaboration bringing together recreational charter skippers, commercial fishers, and scientists to better understand pollack stocks and the future of the … Read more
The Irish Sea is one of the UK’s most economically and ecologically important marine regions. Supporting everything from biodiversity and renewable energy to fisheries and coastal communities, it is under increasing pressure from pollution, climate change, and intensive human use. At the forefront of efforts to understand and protect this vital ecosystem is the Marine … Read more
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is calling on members of the public to get involved this UK Invasive Species Week (12–19 May 2025) in safeguarding the UK’s precious marine environments from harmful invasive species (also known as non-native species).
Our UK coastline is under threat, and now the Marine Biological Association (MBA) is calling on ocean lovers of all ages to take part in the Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz 2025, a nationwide citizen science effort to monitor the health of the UK’s coastline and track the spread of invasive (non-native) species. Since the … Read more