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

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is delighted to announce the appointment of five new Fellows: Robert Clark, Denise Adaoyibo Okpala, Dr Tom Pickerell, Nick Riddiford, and Professor Craig Young. MBA Fellows 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

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.

Studentship beneficiary reflects on a transformative summer of hands-on marine research at the MBA

Exeter University student and MBA Student Member, Jasmin Orak, joined the Marine Biological Association (MBA) this summer as a Spooner-Parke Summer Studentship awardee, spending 6 weeks immersed in hands-on marine microbiology research.

MBA Archive on the move

Until recently, the MBA Archive collections have been housed in two store rooms within the library, but a project to relocate the collections to one main store within the Citadel Hill laboratory is now coming to its conclusion.

A year of global impact and growth: MBA Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson, reflects on 2025 

December always brings with it one of the highlights of our calendar, the Annual General Meeting, and with it an invaluable moment to reflect on our science, our community and our impact. Despite what has been an undeniably challenging period for the wider world, the ocean and the academic sector, the MBA has continued to … Read more

Welcome to the MBA’s new Trustee, Sarah Holmyard

The Marine Biological Association is delighted to welcome Sarah Holmyard to our Board of Trustees. Sarah is a senior leader in the UK and international seafood sector with over 20 years’ experience spanning fisheries, aquaculture, marketing, and sustainability.

University of Plymouth Graduate recognised for outstanding academic achievement with MBA Prize

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is pleased to congratulate the winner of 2025’s prestigious MBA prize. Tilly Powell, who recently graduated with a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology, First Class from the University of Plymouth, received the prize for ‘Outstanding Performance on a Marine Biology Programme’ for her exceptional academic performance.

MBA researchers reveal climate change threat to kelp forest ecosystems

A new study co-authored by the Marine Biological Association’s Senior Research Fellow Dr Dan Smale, Lankester Research Fellow Professor Stephen J. Hawkins, Postdoctoral Research Assistant Dr Nathan King, and former PhD student Harry Teagle, has revealed how the loss of kelp forests at their southern range edge could dramatically reshape marine ecosystems. Dense patches of … Read more