| The field of marine
biology - the study of marine organisms, their behaviors, and their interactions
with the environment is
considered one of the most all-encompassing fields of oceanography. To
understand marine organisms and their behaviors
completely, marine biologists must have a basic understanding of other
aspects or "disciplines" of oceanography, such as
chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and geological
oceanography. Therefore, marine biologists and biological
oceanographers study these other fields throughout their careers,
enabling them to take a "big picture" approach to doing
research.
Because there are so many topics one could study
within the field of marine biology, many researchers select a particular
interest and specialize in it. Specializations can be based on a
particular species, organism, behavior, technique, or
ecosystem. For example, marine biologists may choose to study a single
species of clams, or all clams that are native to a
climate or region.
One area of specialization, the emerging field
of marine biotechnology, offers great opportunity for marine biologists.
Marine biotechnology research presents a wide range of
possibilities and applications. One focus area is the biomedical
field, where scientists develop and test drugs, many of which come
from marine organisms. An example of an application of
biotechnology research can be seen in industry or defence, where
researchers have developed non-toxic coatings that
prevent the build-up of fouling organisms, such as barnacles and zebra
mussels. Such coatings are useful for ships and
intake pipes used in power plants.
Aquaculture, the farming of
finfish, shellfish, and seaweeds, is another field that has been aided by marine
biotechnology
and molecular techniques. Aquaculture is gaining importance in this
country as consumer demand for fish and shellfish
becomes greater than can be met by traditional commercial fishing. At
the same time, technological advances have made
aquaculture more economically feasible. In one example, researchers
developed a "triploid" oyster, whose meat remains firm
and sweet throughout the entire spawning season (May to August). By
extending the harvesting and marketing season of the
oyster, its economic value increased.
Marine researchers are also experimenting with
ways to administer drugs to diseased populations of farm-raised fish. Disease
can wipe out an entire crop of farm-raised fish or shellfish due to
the confined setting in which they are raised. One technique
involves exposing a pen of fish to ultrasound (high frequency sound
that cannot be heard by humans). This causes the outer
layers of the fish tissues (skin and gills) to become more permeable,
making the fish more receptive to a vaccine or antibiotic
drug that is released into the water.
Other popular areas within the field of marine
biology are environmental biology and toxicology. Both of these areas have
direct applications and implications for our society. Examples of
specialities in environmental biology and toxicology include
water quality research and the study of contaminants or pollutants in
the coastal or marine environment. Laws, regulations,
and cleanup measures designed to protect the environment will ensure
that marine and environmental biologists and
consultants continue to play an important role in our society.
Another field of research within marine or aquatic
biology involves organisms that have been around for billions of years:
protists. Protists are singled-celled organisms that include protozoa
and microalgae. They range in size from about two
micrometers (.00008 inches) to just under an inch. Their importance as
a group lies in the fact that microscopic algae serve
as food for animals in aquatic food webs, earning them the title
"primary producers." And since primary producers are mostly
microscopic species, the organisms that consume them are often
single-celled, microscopic species as well. If something
happens to somehow alter populations of primary producers, the entire
food web could be affected.
Probably the topic most often asked about within
marine biology is research involving marine mammals, including cetaceans
(whales and dolphins) and pinnipeds (sea lions, seals, and walruses).
The reality is that research jobs involving marine
mammals are extremely hard to come by for a number of reasons,
including the popularity of the field, the fact that working
with marine mammals is highly regulated (most research is done using
tissue samples of sick, stranded, or dead animals
and not on live, healthy animals), and because funding is very
competitive.
Students thinking about careers in the marine
sciences often picture themselves working with whales. Within the marine
science fields, however, only a few scientists specialize in that
area.
It's fine to opt for a marine science career at
an early age, but it's a mistake to decide your exact specialty before you've had
a chance to explore your options. Second, take advantage of the
opportunities that exist to get hands-on experience through
marine education programs. Third, take as many math, science, and
computer courses as you can in school. Also, pursue
related studies as part of independent studies projects. Fourth, don't
expect preparing for a marine science career to be easy.
Fifth, don't give up. Good luck.
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