The Marine Biological Association (MBA) proudly marks its 142nd birthday, celebrating more than a century of world‑leading marine research, pioneering discoveries, and a growing international community dedicated to understanding and protecting our ocean.
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.
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) welcomes the news that the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement has now become UK law, having received Royal Assent. This marks the completion of the UK legislative process required to ratify and implement the landmark High Seas Treaty.
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is delighted to announce the appointment of five MBA Fellows (FMBAs): Robert Clark, Denise Adaoyibo Okpala, Dr Tom Pickerell, Nick Riddiford, and Professor Craig Young. FMBAs are senior practitioners who have contributed to marine biology at the highest level. The honour recognises distinguished and sustained contributions across research, policy, education, … Read more
A very unusual marine discovery has been made at Plymouth’s Mount Batten Beach during The Rock Pool Project’s monthly BioBlitz Battle. Two keen young rock poolers taking part in the citizen science event found specimens of the depilatory sea hare (Aplysia depilans), a species usually only seen in the Mediterranean and East Atlantic.
Earth’s natural defences are losing strength as temperatures rise, major new report warns. The planet’s natural carbon sinks – the ocean, forests and soils – are reaching their limits, absorbing less carbon than expected and risking a major setback to global climate targets, according to a major new report launched today ahead of COP30. The … Read more
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to announce that Chief Executive Professor Willie Wilson will represent UK marine science at the UK–Taiwan Bilateral International Meeting (BIM), taking place in London from 15 to 17 October 2025. Organised by The Royal Society and Academia Sinica, the event brings together leading scientists to explore the theme … Read more
Chloe Figueroa Ashforth from DASSH at the Marine Biological Association has been appointed as the new Co-chair of the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) Communications Working Group. Chloe will work alongside fellow Co-chair Charlotte Miskin-Hymas from the MEDIN Core Team, and will represent the MEDIN Communications Working Group on the MEDIN Executive Team. … Read more
Professor Willie Wilson and POGO partners deliver a unified call for ocean observing systems following UNOC3. The Marine Biological Association’s Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson, played a key advisory role for the recent UN Ocean Decade conference (UNOC3) offering vital guidance to policymakers and politicians engaged in the heart of the negotiations. Willie represented the … Read more
The Marine Biological Association
The Laboratory,
Citadel Hill Plymouth,
Devon
PL1 2PB, UK
The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom is a registered charity in England and Wales (1155893), and is a company limited by Royal Charter (RC000865). The Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea.