As advocates of the world of marine observation and conservation gather in Nice for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), the Marine Biological Association (MBA), led by Chief Executive Professor Willie Wilson, will play a central role in shaping the global dialogue on ocean science, observation, and conservation.

Professor Wilson will represent the MBA at the POGO Directors’ Meeting on 7 June in Nice, France. The meeting is a high-level summit of leaders from 39 of the world’s top marine research institutions under the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO). Together, they will confront the challenges of ocean health and deliver a unified policy statement for UNOC3, an instrument designed to influence governments and international organisations to prioritise and fund ocean observing systems.

“As a highly respected international marine science research institution, the MBA has a crucial seat at the table as an equal partner with our global colleagues, to influence global policy and development,” said Professor Wilson. “This is a moment where science must be heard, and acted upon.”

Uniting science, technology and policy

The MBA’s participation signals the importance of long-term ocean monitoring, and its vital connection to climate goals, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

Discussions will address how to:

Transition towards net-zero ocean observing
Foster low-cost technologies to democratise ocean science
Influence national and global policy frameworks
Expand infrastructure and funding in the Global South
And adopt emerging autonomous technologies, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) sensors aboard AUVs, for real-time marine life monitoring.

These discussions are more than academic. They feed directly into a consensus driven POGO policy statement that will be delivered to world leaders at UNOC3 and inform action through the One Ocean Science Congress. This unified message carries significant weight and positions ocean observation as a central pillar of climate and biodiversity strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs – Goal 14).

A global voice for the ocean

The Marine Biological Association’s voice, alongside others in the POGO network, will highlight how accessible, affordable, and coordinated ocean observations are critical – not only to understanding the ocean, but to protecting it.

Through participation in policy-focused breakouts and plenary sessions, Professor Wilson and the MBA team will stress the importance of sustained funding, capacity building, and technological innovation to address the growing threats facing the ocean.

While world leaders convene at UNOC3, the MBA stands ready to ensure that science remains central to solutions.

“From plankton to policy, we are committed to advancing knowledge and ensuring ocean science serves society at all levels; local, national, and global,” added Professor Wilson.

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is one of the world’s longest-running societies dedicated to promoting research into our ocean and the life it supports.

Its in-depth scientiﬁc research into the interconnected marine environment is carried out from its prestigious laboratory HQ in Plymouth, UK.

It has Royal Charter status for its world-leading role in marine biology research. Since 1884, the MBA has worked as a voice for the ocean and in the interests of the global marine biological community.

The MBA’s advanced knowledge has contributed to the work of several Nobel Laureates and over 170 Fellows of the Royal Society.

Marine research in the city of Plymouth

Plymouth – Britain’s Ocean City – has been at the forefront of policy relevant marine research for more than a century. It is home to three world-leading scientific institutions (the University of Plymouth, the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, and Plymouth Marine Laboratory) comprising the UK’s largest cluster of marine researchers, recognised globally in terms of publications, impact and influence. Collaborations with colleagues in 98 countries over the last five years place Plymouth at the heart of international scientific and societal advances in fields including climate change, marine pollution, and ecosystem monitoring and prediction.

Become a Member

Together, we are the voice of marine biology. Explore the opportunities available to you as a Member of the Marine Biological Association: www.mba.ac.uk/our-membership

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