New study reveals how tiny marine algae survive phosphorus starvation

Scientists at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the University of Exeter have uncovered a key mechanism that helps diatoms – the microscopic algae that underpin marine food webs – survive when one of life’s essential nutrients runs low.

MBA celebrates 142 years of marine discovery

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.

Shaping the future of sustainable scallop potting

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) recently hosted a collaborative Scallop Potting Workshop, bringing together fishermen, regulators, researchers, industry representatives, businesses, and environmental NGOs for a full day of focused discussion on the future of this promising low‑impact fishery.

Essex University students explore marine life hands-on at the MBA

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.

MBA scientists lead on global ocean observation at the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting

From the left: Dr Mathilde Lindhart (University of Plymouth), Professor Willie Wilson (MBA) and Dan Jones (PML) Marine life, climate change, and ocean health took centre stage at this year’s Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM26). Held in Glasgow from 22–27 February, the conference brought together thousands of researchers to share new insights and breakthroughs in understanding … Read more

MBA welcomes passing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill and its entry into UK Law

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.

Marine Biological Association welcomes five new Fellows of the MBA

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

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.

One-stop ocean data hub could be key to protecting the ocean and coastal communities

Defra recently published the findings of a joint project between the Marine Biological Association (MBA), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN), reviewing the current landscape for marine social and economic data.

Pioneering single-cell microelectrode study reveals how diatoms rapidly adapt carbon uptake

Scientists at the Marine Biological Association have used a pioneering technological approach in individual diatom cells to uncover how these microscopic ocean organisms rapidly adjust their carbon uptake strategies to cope with changing conditions in the ocean.