Seawater Life Support: Ambitious project to advance marine conservation and research with new water intake line 

An innovative underwater intake line will not only support the flourishing marine life in Plymouth Sound, but also provide a vital channel for seawater to the Marine Biological Association (MBA).  After two years of careful consideration and planning, a team of expert engineers and technicians have developed the Seawater Life Support, a new water intake … Read more

UN Senior Advisor visits the Marine Biological Association

Scientists at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) were delighted to welcome a United Nations Senior Advisor to its headquarters in Plymouth. Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor on Oceans to the UN Global Compact visited marine biologists from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey to learn more about the pioneering plankton research being conducted at the MBA. … Read more

Marine Biological Association 140 Anniversary: Exploring the MBA’s origins at Plymouth

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. Throughout its long-standing presence overlooking Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, the MBA laboratory at Citadel Hill has been at the forefront … Read more

Marine Biological Association Marks 140 Year Anniversary

Celebrating a Legacy of Marine Research, Education, and Conservation The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to celebrate its 140-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the field of marine biology. Founded in 1884, the MBA has been at the forefront of research, education, and conservation efforts in marine science. With a rich history and … Read more

MBA Staff Spotlight: Dr Cordelia Roberts

Dr Cordelia Roberts is a Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Marine Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry, and previously completed an MRes and PhD at the Marine Biological Association (MBA). As a researcher Cordelia is interested in looking at dead, dying and faecal material in the ocean (similar to leaf litter on land) which form sinking and suspended … Read more

New study reveals link between climate change, oceanic circulation and dinoflagellates

Researchers from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) have led a study to discover why dinoflagellates are declining in northern regions of our ocean. Climate warming poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems worldwide, and scientists have documented considerable changes in plankton in the Northeast Atlantic. Plankton are a diverse collection of tiny organisms found in … Read more

Innovative project aims to safeguard British kelp from potential decline

Kelp forests play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by providing habitat and food for a diverse range of marine species. However, various factors such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing have led to a decline in kelp populations across the world, posing a significant threat to the health of coastal ecosystems. Scientists at the … Read more

Shedding new light on larval evolution of marine invertebrates

In the early stages of their life cycle, many marine invertebrates (animals without backbones) are often free-swimming larvae covered with tiny hair-like structures (cilia). These larvae possess a grouping of sensory cells, known as an apical organ, and some also have a long tuft of cilia, called an apical tuft. Like an antenna, the apical … Read more

Unlocking the Secrets of Whale Shark Feeding Habits at Ningaloo Reef

A team of marine scientists from Australia and the UK embarked on a multi-disciplinary mission to decipher the mysteries of whale shark movement in relation to prey distribution at Ningaloo Reef. Ningaloo Reef, located in Western Australia, is a renowned coastal ‘hotspot’ for the world’s largest shark, the filter-feeding whale shark. Every year, these magnificent … Read more

Small but mighty – study highlights the abundance and importance of the ocean’s tiniest inhabitants

New research sheds light on tiny plankton, which can make up more than 70% of the plankton biomass found in the ocean. Tiny plankton – measuring less than 20µm (or 0.02mm) in diameter – make up the majority of plankton in the ocean and play a critical role in the planet’s health, according to new … Read more