Latest Issue

Natural capital and ecosystem services

This special edition of The Marine Biologist looks into the services that nature provides for us—a timely focus as we enter the second half of the UN Ocean Decade and the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

The natural capital and ecosystem services approach is a way of looking at nature so that its value to society is fairly factored into policy decisions.

The physiology of male pregnancy in seahorses and their close relatives has intrigued scientists for decades. Our cover picture shows the fascinating and charismatic weedy sea dragon. If you smiled when you saw this picture, then—believe it or not—that is considered a cultural ecosystem service.

We turn up the heat with an article on marine heatwaves and their global impact. You don’t have to be a sea-going scientist to appreciate artist Naomi Hart’s account of fieldwork off the coast of South Africa.

There is much more in this edition plus the usual roundup of the latest developments in marine biology, news from the Association, and reviews of books.

If you are not already an MBA Member, join today and receive The Marine Biologist in print and online four times a year.