The Marine Biological Association runs a leading research laboratory in Plymouth and is one of the world's oldest learned societies devoted to the advancement of marine biology. In recognition of its long and eminent history and its status in the field of marine biology, the MBA was awarded a
Royal Charter in 2013.
There has never been a time in history when attention has focused so sharply on our need to understand the marine environment. The timing of the award of a Royal Charter to the MBA is significant, and the organisation is preparing to step up to explain why UK marine biology is so important to society.
We know that our lives depend on the sea in many ways but our knowledge of the fundamental workings of life beneath the waves is limited. UK science is at the forefront of marine biological research but must continue to evolve and grow if we are to answer new and pressing questions, for example: how and why do marine animals move and distribute themselves in the sea? How will ocean acidification affect life in the ocean? What is needed to realize the potential of marine organisms
for biotechnological and biomedical advances?
Renowned oceanographer, explorer and author Dr Sylvia Earle said: “The MBA is an organisation that has done so much in terms of exploring and understanding the ocean; the future is in the hands of those who understand the importance of the blue part of the planet.”
Scientists, policy-makers and industry figures will gather at the Fishmongers’ Hall in London on Tuesday 11 March at an event to celebrate the oceans, and the contribution that UK marine biology makes to our greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
