The Power of Plankton

Let’s face it, a muddy seabed is not the most charismatic of settings. And, with a low perceived value for biodiversity, historically mud has not been a high priority for protection.

Microplastics are present in the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air that we breathe. In this episode we meet Dr Alice Horton, Senior Research Fellow at the Marine Biological Association and an expert in aquatic microplastic pollution. We have been leaking plastic into the environment for the last 60 or so years and the amount entering the ocean is predicted to triple by 2040. But, as Alice explains, we still understand little of the long-term implications for ecosystems and human health. Alice's research at the MBA is specifically focusing on how microplastics interact with the diverse and complex mix of chemical and climate stressors and how different species will respond under changing global environmental conditions. We also discuss what scientists and policy-makers are doing to tackle microplastics and what we as individuals can do to reduce our exposure. MBA Members get exclusive early access to the video episode. Become a Member today to watch the full podcast first and unlock exclusive member-only benefits.

In this episode, we meet social scientist Sarah Coulthard, and fishermen George Lamplough and Bally Philp who discuss issues facing small-scale fishers. 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 highly valued inshore fishing fleet is in decline. Is this "the last chance saloon for the small-scale fishing industry" ? Sarah, Bally, and George explore the reasons for the decline, discuss fishers' lived experiences, fisheries management and public perceptions. They also discuss the priorities for actions to help ensure a viable future for the fleet. The podcast follows on from the special edition of The Marine Biologist magazine which focuses on inshore and small-scale fisheries. Our guests are involved in the Inshore and Small-Scale Fisheries consortium (ISSF), a group which aims to identify the drivers of decline in the UK fleet, identify what can be done to support fishing lives, and support fishers to be active partners in decision-making. Find out about the work of the ISSF Consortium here. See the press release which details the national symposium for inshore and small scale fisheries, held in February 2026 in Newcastle. ISSF_Symposium_Press_Release.pdf - Google Drive Text us your comments and feedback Thanks for listening! If you have any questions you can contact us at the Marine Biological Association here. Join the Marine Biological Association and receive four copies a year of The Marine Biologist, our prestigious and beautifully curated magazine. MBA membership comes with a host of other benefits. Follow us on social: www.facebook.com/thembauk www.instagram.com/thembauk @thembauk.bsky.social

"We need to consider what an area of sea is capable of when given real protection." Professor Callum Roberts is a world authority on marine protected areas (MPAs). In this podcast, we talk about marine protected areas both in national waters and the high seas. What needs to change in the UK's current approach to marine protected areas (MPAs), and how can the network support healthy and productive fisheries, producing gains, not just costs for the fishing industry? To have a vision for future seas, we have to look back: this is where the conversation turns to shifting baselines and a fascinating look at the momentous changes that have been wrought on the seabed of the Northeast Atlantic over the past 200 years. We also discuss the growing awareness of seabed carbon and the role of MPAs in supporting climate regulation. Callum is also an author, perhaps best known for The Unnatural History of the Sea (Island Press) which charts the effects of 1,000 years of exploitation on ocean life. See also: convexseascapesurvey.com The Convex Seascape Survey project is dedicated to filling knowledge gaps on how the ocean and climate are connected, to inform effective action against the climate crisis. Text us your comments and feedback Thanks for listening! If you have any questions you can contact us at the Marine Biological Association here. Join the Marine Biological Association and receive four copies a year of The Marine Biologist, our prestigious and beautifully curated magazine. MBA membership comes with a host of other benefits. Follow us on social: www.facebook.com/thembauk www.instagram.com/thembauk @thembauk.bsky.social

A new report on the 2025 octopus bloom has just been published. Here, Dr Bryce Stewart, Senior Research Fellow at the MBA and and Associate Professor at the University of Plymouth, talks about the causes and consequences (particularly for the fishing industry) of the octopus bloom, and what the future might hold. The report was funded by Defra, Plymouth City Council, Devon County Council. It is led by the Marine Biological Association with partners at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, University of Plymouth and independent consultant Dr Simon Thomas. The new report is available here. Stewart, B.D., Thomas, S., Smyth, T.J., James, M.K., Sullivan, E., Hall, A.E., Osmond, T. and Sheehan, E.V. 2026. Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) blooms off the Southwest of the UK: History, trends, causes and consequences. Report on Work Package 1: History, causes and consequences of octopus blooms. Marine Biological Association, 104pp. Text us your comments and feedback Thanks for listening! If you have any questions you can contact us at the Marine Biological Association here. Join the Marine Biological Association and receive four copies a year of The Marine Biologist, our prestigious and beautifully curated magazine. MBA membership comes with a host of other benefits. Follow us on social: www.facebook.com/thembauk www.instagram.com/thembauk @thembauk.bsky.social