The Marine Biological Association

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 🦭

A colour illustration of the European lobster, showing the deep blue colouration of the shell. The illustration is large enough that the page is trifold to fit within the book

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 🦑

Understanding these molecular mechanisms is vital for determining how microbial interactions drive the fate and flow of carbon in our ocean.

Congratulations to Courtney on a successful presentation!

#MarineBiology #MBAUK #OceanSciences #MicrobialEcology #CarbonCycle #WesternEnglishChannel

Her presentation focused on Ponticoccus alexandrii, a recently isolated bacterium from the Western English Channel. This "Jekyll and Hyde" microbe can switch from a beneficial partner to a lethal pathogen for diatoms, depending on environmental triggers.

Last week at the Ocean Sciences Meeting (#OSM26), Courtney Swink shared her latest findings on the complex relationship between marine bacteria and phytoplankton.

Ultimate main character energy... 💅

Gephyrocapsa huxleyi is less than 5 microns wide (you could fit about 20 on the tip of a needle), yet it insists on being visible from actual space.

SEM Micrographs: Frieda Schlegel
Satellite Imagery: ESA (European Space Agency)

Over 30% of global marine catch comes from small-scale fisheries, contributing to global food security, livelihoods, and resilient communities, and yet the UK's inshore fishing fleet is in decline.

Listen now - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DFAdWqpeonTBRb3AhEEmT?si=jhtxYUaXR36gGX8pbse6mw

Among the leading voices at #OSM26 Our researchers presented new findings and shared insights from our long‑running observation programmes.

Read the full story 👉 https://www.mba.ac.uk/mba-scientists-lead-on-global-ocean-observation-at-the-2026-ocean-sciences-meeting/

Oh this? Just my Friday entrance.
 
This inquisitive young seal came to visit just after @paulnaylormarinephoto set up his static underwater camera.
 
Learn more about #GreySeals with MarLIN https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1995

Brian Morton Exchange Fund The Brian Morton Exchange Fund enables early career researchers with less than 10 years post PhD experience to undertake two months' research visit at either the Marine Biological Association, or a research institution in Hong Kong or The Azores to encourage collaboration between these organisations...

Find full eligibility details and apply here 👉