@thembauk.bsky.social
A leading UK marine biology research institute, promoting scientific excellence and representing the marine biology community since 1884. 🐚 https://www.mba.ac.uk/ 🔗 linktr.ee/MarineBiologicalAssociation
We are looking to recruit a Marine Survey Technician who will play a central role in ensuring our CPR fleet and associated equipment remain safe, functional, and ready for deployment.
🔗 Full details: https://mymba.mba.ac.uk/job/marine-survey-technician-cpr-survey.html
Apply by 10th April 2026
As oceans continue to absorb most of the excess heat from climate change, the findings highlight the growing risks to marine biodiversity and global fisheries.
The study shows that long-term ocean warming is quietly eroding marine ecosystems. Short-term marine heatwaves can sometimes cause temporary population increases, potentially masking the underlying decline.
New research published in Nature, analysing 33,000 fish populations across the Northern Hemisphere, found that fish biomass declines by around 7.2% for every 0.1°C increase in seabed temperature per decade. In some cases, losses reached nearly 20% in a single year.
Impressive global launch of the National Centre for Marine Autonomy at Oceanology International 2026.
We have ambitions to bring biological observations (particularly eDNA) into the marine autonomy realm. Our own Continuous Plankton Recorder is arguably the world’s earliest autonomous vehicle!
Despite its size, the sunfish feeds mainly on jellyfish and drifts gracefully through open waters. Spotting one is a rare treat for divers and wildlife enthusiasts!
Learn more about this fascinating species and more with MarLIN →
Species Spotlight: Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola) ☀️
The ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is one of the most extraordinary fish in our seas. Known for its enormous size and unique, flattened body, this gentle giant can weigh over a tonne, making it one of the heaviest bony fish in the world.
Abstract submissions for the MBA Postgraduate Conference close on Monday 16th March.
Field ecology, lab science, modelling, policy or interdisciplinary marine research, we would love to see your work represented.
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/news/events/event-items/mba-postgraduate-conference/
These antennules will 'walk' on the substrate to find a suitable place to settle, and then they will use them to cement themselves to their chosen spot, before transforming into the barncle we're more familiar with.
This video shows the second of these, the cyprid, which looks somewhat like a little seed. In the video, you can see it flapping about its swimming legs, and also using its antennules (which also look a bit like legs!).
Cirripedia cyprid larva. Barnacles (Cirripedia) are surprisingly crustaceans, and have 2 larval stages in the plankton: the nauplius and the cyprid.
Video by Elizabeth Beston @elizabethbeston.bsky.social
Together with our supporters we are able to invest in the exceptional marine biologists of tomorrow - nurturing talent, igniting curiosity, and connecting young people with world-class researchers whose mentorship can change the course of a life and career.
“It’s an honour to carry forward Professor Anne Warner’s legacy . She championed the use of marine organisms to uncover fundamental biological principles, this fellowship gives me the opportunity to build on that in my own research. I’m excited for the discoveries that lie ahead.” Dr Amy Courtney
Dr Amy Courtney will soon join us at the MBA as the new Anne Warner Fellow, becoming part of a story that began with one woman’s decision to make a lasting difference.
Through a generous gift to the Marine Biological Association in her Will, Anne established the Anne Warner Endowed Fellowship, ensuring that her values and vision would live on far beyond her lifetime to support new generations of marine scientists.
Celebrating Professor Anne Warner, an extraordinary woman whose pioneering work in cell biology and belief in opportunity and education continues to shape lives today.
https://www.mba.ac.uk/donate/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/
#InternationalWomensDay
The Marine Biological Association is one of over twenty-five organisations that will be at the ExCel in London next week for Oceanology International to launch the National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA) on the global stage.
Find out more https://www.marineautonomy.org.uk/
Thanks to our decades of specialised expertise and direct access to high-quality seawater in our Research Aquarium, researchers travel from across the globe to the MBA to conduct their pioneering work.
Lights, camera, action!
We recently welcomed the BBC to our world-leading facilities to film our resident cuttlefish and the experts who study them. The shoot featured our own Aquarium Technician, Joe Feasey-Kemp, alongside Dr Victor Ajuwon, a Research Associate from the University of Cambridge.
✨ Want more expert recommendations?
Members receive our quarterly magazine The Marine Biologist, featuring exclusive book reviews and recommendations - just one of the many benefits of joining our global community of ocean advocates.
Britain's Living Seas. Our Coastal Wildlife and How We Can Save It. By Hannah Rudd. A powerful exploration of the UK’s coastal ecosystems and an inspiring call to protect them.
Oceanopedia. An Encylopedia of Marine Creatures. By Dr Helen Scales. An extraordinary deep dive into the wonders of marine life - fascinating, accessible, and packed with ocean science. @helenscales.bsky.social
Must Reads for Future Marine Biologists… @nmbluk.bsky.social
The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage. A beautifully illustrated adventure into Arctic waters, sparking curiosity about mysterious marine giants.
Aulactinia verrucosa, Anemonia viridis, and Actiinia fragacea out at Portland Bill on today's @MarClim_UK survey @thembauk.bsky.social @livuniresearch.bsky.social @naturalengland.bsky.social
Calling all Ocean-Inspired Photographers!
We are inviting photographers from around the world to enter the Ocean Image Collection Photography Competition 2026.
Find out more and enter - https://www.mba.ac.uk/ocean-image-collection/
#OceanImageCollection
World Wildlife Day 🦭
Today is #WorldWildlifeDay. We could find many images of wildlife in our collections @thembauk.bsky.social but this one of the European lobster caught our eye. We hope you like as much as we do
📖BL.42/L - Malacostraca podophthalmata Britanniae. W.E Leach, 1815-1875. Illustrations by James Sowerby
A glorious day to be on the shore doing @MarClim_UK surveys with @naturalengland.bsky.social staff in Dorset @thembauk.bsky.social @livuniresearch.bsky.social
Calling all Postgraduate & Early-Career Marine Scientists!
Join us for the 22nd Marine Biological Association (MBA) Postgraduate Conference at Newcastle University from 15–17 April 2026.
🔗 Apply & Book Tickets here: www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/news/eve...
#ResearchConference #NewcastleUniversity
UVs from last week’s sample! Harpacticoida, Cirripedia nauplius (with Asterionellopsis glacialis next to it), Pseudocalanus (with Trieres mobiliensis/regia), not sure - Harpacticoida or Cyclopoida (what do you think?).
#marineplankton 🦑