What is Marine Biology? – Sail Caribbean A Beginner’s Guide to Studying Ocean Life

Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of the ocean? What creatures call it home, and how do they contribute to the well-being of our planet? Who are the experts who explore this vast and enigmatic world? Marine biology is the scientific study of life in the ocean and other saltwater environments. Marine biologists investigate the behavior, interactions, and life cycles of marine plants and animals, along with their roles in the ecosystem. This field is essential to understanding and preserving our planet, as oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface. In this article, we’ll explore what marine biology is, what marine biologists do, and why their work is crucial to sustaining life on Earth.

Marine Biology Overview: Understanding the Ocean’s Life

Marine biology is a large scientific field that deeply researches life in saltwater environments. The goal of those who study this important topic is to understand the aquatic ecosystems to protect, conserve, and raise awareness of marine life. Not only is it important to study marine biology for the benefit of the planet, but it is also important to understand how it affects humans. Ocean ecosystems and marine organisms hold many mysteries so unraveling their enigmas can help us have more awareness of life under the surface. 

Key Areas of Study in Marine Biology

Some key areas of study in marine biology include marine ecology, marine biodiversity, ocean conservation, and deep-sea exploration. Each topic provides a unique perspective on the changes and patterns in this area of the planet. 

• Marine ecology
  • This area of study focuses on the organisms in the ocean and how they interact with each other and their surroundings. Marine ecologists study both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) beings. Understanding these organisms is crucial when managing sustainable fisheries and policy developments. 
• Marine biodiversity
  • The ocean environments are extremely vast and diverse. Microorganisms like plankton live amongst blue whales, the largest mammals on the planet. Why? Studying marine biodiversity gives insight into the large abundance of organisms living in the oceans. 
• Ocean conservation
  • Ocean conservation is an extremely important topic in today’s world. Marine biologists all over the world are studying climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution to make a positive impact on these major ecosystems. 
• Deep-sea exploration
  • Perhaps the biggest mystery of the ocean is the deep-sea. It is the investigation of organisms, chemistry, the physicality of what remains beyond the continental shelf.

What is the Difference Between Marine Biology and Oceanography?

Marine biology and oceanography are very closely related scientific fields. However, there are many distinctions between the two. Marine biology focuses on the biology of marine life in terms of their anatomy, behavior, physiology, and ecology. For instance, marine biologists might study the impact humans have on coral or the migration patterns of whales. Oceanographers look closely at the ocean as a system. They study things like how the currents might impact climate change or the salinity of the water in different areas. 

How to Become a Marine Biologist

There are many ways to become a marine biologist. Not only are there different areas of focus but they also play a crucial role in the health and well-being of the entire world. 

• Educational pathways
  • Typically, marine biologists start with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a closely related area of study, including environmental science or zoology. Also, having a specialization in a certain area is important. This could be marine conservation, oceanography, marine ecology, or others. Once an undergraduate degree is attained, a graduate degree or PHD is the next step. There are many great universities for marine biology in the world. 
• Hands-on experience
  • Many efforts and research facilities around the world provide internships and experience working in the field. This is where marine biologists who are just starting out can develop their skills in real life. Opportunities that provide research practice and hands-on learning are a great stepping stone into this career field. 
  • If this excites you and you’re eager to dive into marine biology, why not get a taste of it firsthand? Check out our immersive marine biology summer camp opportunities and start your adventure now!
• Career options
  • Marine biologists go into many different areas of this career. Some may become professors at colleges or universities, while others are working at NGOs, research facilities, the government, or working towards conservation.

What Skills Do Marine Biologists Need?

Marine biologists need a wide range of skills in this career field. Some soft skills include problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work independently and part of a team. Beyond that, it is important to understand data analysis when conducting research. Since marine biology has to do with the ocean, it is very helpful to be certified in scuba diving and have an understanding of diving and scientific equipment. 

Where Do Marine Biologists Work?

There are many different settings where marine biologists work. 

• Research and Academia
  • Many marine biologists work at universities and research institutions. They offer controlled environments where they can conduct research and teach students.
• Conservation and Management
  • There are many marine conservation organizations around the world that provide a space for marine biologists to work. Nonprofit organizations focus on conservation and advocacy, Government facilities work towards policy development (like managing fisheries) and environmental protection, and marine parks and reserves work hands-on with protecting biodiversity. 
• Aquariums
  • Marine biologists who work at aquariums care for animals, educate the public, and construct exhibits.

Is Marine Biology Hard?

Marine biology can be a very demanding field that requires a lot of time and commitment. Not only does it require a lot of educational background but marine biologists also need to have a lot of passion. While it can be a very challenging field, it can also be extremely rewarding. 

How would we know which jellyfish are harmful and what time of year they are most present? If the Challenger Expedition hadn’t occurred in the 1800s, how would we have discovered hundreds of new species? Marine biology has always been and will continue to be a very important area of study.

What is a Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist Like?

Depending on the marine biologist’s specific role and specialization, each day usually includes fieldwork, lab research and experiments, and writing. 

• Fieldwork
  • Working in the field usually means spending time in the water collecting samples, observing marine life and occurrences, or working on the boats. Fieldwork can be challenging if the weather conditions are rough and requires the marine biologist to be patient. 
• Lab work
  • In the lab, marine biologists are experimenting with their findings in the field. This could be processing samples, using computer software to analyze data, or writing reports and publications. 
• Additional work that marine biologists do
  • Some marine biologists do a lot of outreach and advocacy through educating the public or attending conferences. They often present findings, meet with other marine biologists, or write grants to fund their research.

Why is Marine Biology Important?

There are an abundance of reasons why marine biology is important. The ocean ecosystems are crucial for the health of the entire planet. It provides resources, medicine, and food for our survival. Furthermore, did you know that it helps regulate the climate? The ocean is home to 80% of all life on the Earth and marine organisms are very sensitive to changes in their environment which tells us the impacts of human activities. So, it is paramount that society understands the ocean’s importance through the findings of marine biologists. They help educate the public on issues like overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. 

How to Get Involved in Marine Biology

Marine biology is all around us, and there are many ways to get involved. There are many volunteering opportunities for nonprofits or citizen science projects. Check out local aquariums and organizations to see how to lend a helping hand and gain experience. Planning a trip to the British Virgin Islands? One simple way we get involved at Sail Caribbean is by participating in a beach cleanup. Local organizations like Beyond the Reef, BVI Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), and GreenVI offer opportunities to visitors and tourists to make an impact and learn more. Our students who go on Sail Caribbean adventures learn from our marine biology staff members through lessons on seagrass, coral protection, collecting water samples, and more. While all of our programs offer an education marine science component, our Sierra Program is marine biology-focused. Those students participate in excursions where they tag turtles with BVI ARK for conservation purposes and collect research and samples for the local college (HLSCC). If you are a diver, we always recommend looking into PADI’s Project Aware, which focuses on marine conservation.

Marine Biology Safety Considerations

When working in the marine biology field, it is important to be aware of safety concerns and take the necessary precautions. 

• Gear
  • Whether scuba diving or using technology to collect data, it is essential to wear the appropriate gear and know how to use it. Not wearing the correct scuba gear or not having the training to understand how to use it can be extremely dangerous for not only the diver but also the environment in which they are diving. Gear also includes wearing sun protection and having a lifejacket or PFD nearby. 
• Marine environment hazards
  • Weather, debris, currents, and marine life are all considerations to take into account when in the field. It is important to know the area before conducting research or studies. Also, marine biologists or volunteers should always be aware of the environment and the organisms that it attracts. 
• Handling marine animals
  • If there is an excursion that includes handling a marine animal, it is very important to have prior knowledge and training. This avoids harmful interactions for not only the marine biologist but also the animal. 
• Vessels and Laboratories
  • A lot of marine biologists work on boats or in labs. When on a boat, it is essential to follow all safety procedures and wear a lifejacket. In the lab, there are many harmful chemicals and fragile technology. To avoid any issues, follow the correct PPE standards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, marine biology plays a pivotal role in understanding and preserving the health of our oceans, which are essential to the well-being of our planet. By studying marine life, ecosystems, and the impacts of human activity, marine biologists help protect biodiversity, inform policy, and raise awareness about the challenges our oceans face. Whether through field research, conservation efforts, or educating the public, the work of marine biologists is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for both marine and terrestrial life. As we continue to explore the mysteries beneath the surface, it becomes even more apparent that the health of the ocean is intertwined with the health of our world. If you’re passionate about protecting the oceans and their inhabitants, marine biology offers a rewarding and impactful career path. Sail Caribbean offers many opportunities for teens to get a jumpstart on learning about he ocean. So, why not dive in and explore how you can contribute to this vital field?