A Look Into Marine Science

Jakob Rosdol

English III Standard Pd. 6

Mr. Alburger

February 23, 2017

Jakob Rosdol

February 13th, 2017

English III

Mr. Alburger

A Look Into Marine Science

The ocean presented a mystery to humans since the beginning of time. Much of the ocean

remains unknown, due to human limitations. In fact, humans gathered more knowledge of the

surface of the moon than of the oceans covering most of the Earths surface. Marine biology

originated ages ago, starting with Aristotle, though history regards Captain James Cook as the

father of modern marine biology. The world uses marine biology, as well as marine science, as

blanket terms; in reality, marine science includes geological oceanographers, chemical

oceanographers, physical oceanographers, and biological oceanographers. Marine biologists

conduct their work to further the efforts of humankind and scientists all across the world. They

work in aquariums, research labs, and universities, and make decent salaries, depending on the

level of education. To call oneself a marine biologist, one must study hard and get a degree in

math, biology, chemistry, physics, or any combination, and one must immerse themselves in the

deep history and truly understand what the term marine biologist signifies.

History proves the marine census a significant, important jump in human understanding

of marine life and wildlife. In 2000, marine biologists set out to survey the ocean and to discover

what kinds of creatures called the ocean their home (Taking). Scientists traveled to unexplored

areas, including the ice-covered Arctic and the Mariana Trench. Scientists and marine biologists

may always explore and discover fascinating things about the ocean and the marine life that
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inhabits it. For example, scientists discovered the existence of sea life in the lowest of places and

the coldest of places. The first census of marine life set the gold standard and basis for future

research, compiling a massive database of research for future scientists to look back on and use

as reference. History recognizes Aristotle, known for being a Greek philosopher studying under

Plato (whom Socrates greatly influenced). Yet equally significantly, Aristotle contributed to the

world of science, as the first scientist to attempt to classify animals. Aristotle classified both land

and sea animals. Marine life remained largely untouched and an unspoken topic and subject for

many, many years. Humans knew marine life existed, depended on fish for their sustenance, but

did not possess fundamental understandings of marine life. Aristotle identified many different

crustaceans, echinoderms, mollusks, and fish, and recognized cetaceans as mammals. These

contributions to marine science labeled Aristotle as not only an astoundingly profound Greek

Philosopher, but the father of marine biology as well (History). Whereas history sees Aristotle

as the father of marine biology, history regards Captain James Cook as the stepfather. Captain

James Cook paved the way for humanitys modern knowledge of marine biology. Captain James

Cook, living from 1728 to 1789, sailed for the British Navy on numerous voyages, mapping most

of the worlds uncharted waters. Cook circumnavigated the world twice in his lifetime, and

logged countless different plants and animals unknown to man at the time. Lewis and Clarks

famous expedition could not compare to the contributions that Captain James Cook made.

Cooks wondrous explorations awed and inspired countless scientists, and they began to start

their own looks into marine biology, people such as Charles Darwin, though Darwin is best

known for writing the Theory of Evolution. (History). Where these gentlemen pioneered

marine biology, others further explored to learn the most of it they possibly could. Jacques
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Costeau worked with Emile Gagnan to invent a regulator, a device that allowed any deep sea

divers to breathe on command. In the past, breathing devices for divers were mere continuous

flows of air, and were often uncontrollable. This invention led to longer and deeper dives than

ever before. Jacques Costeau, with his newfound freedom, created several documentaries and

films, filmed underwater. (Glasgow). Dr. Hans Hass, Costeaus Austrian counterpart, also made

contributions to the world of marine biology and marine science. He, with his wife Lotte, made

numerous books and documentaries about the world of marine biology and both found

themselves passionate about the ocean and its animals, fighting to conserve it and protect it. Hass

made his own significant contributions to ocean technology. Hass created the Drager oxygen

rebreather, used by him and his wife to create films, and he created one of the first ever

underwater cameras. Finally, Hass became a pioneer when it came to studying the behavior of

marine animals when he became the first human to interact with a sperm whale. These scientists

led the world into a deeper understanding of the ocean and the way it works, and allowed us to

further our knowledge of the wonderful ocean life. (History). When looking at marine biology

as a whole, the history of the field remains an essential element to study.

The term ocean scientist or oceanographer remains a more broad term which can refer to

several different types of marine scientists. Marine biologists, or biological oceanographers,

refers to the first type of oceanographer. A marine biologist, most interested in studying the

diversities in marine life, seeks to understand the oceans many creatures and life. These

diversities include studying the way that different animals eat, the way that different animals

communicate, the way that different animals interact with one another, and other different types

of questions. Marine biologists study the ocean environments, and how animals fit into this
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environment, the types of impacts that they have, and have other monumental responsibilities.

But their job does not stop there. Marine biologists also take it upon themselves to study the

impact humans have on the environment, specifically the ocean environment (Anderson 6). The

physical oceanographer refers to the second type of oceanographer. The physical oceanographer

most concerned with actual water masses, currents, and waves, seek to understand more about

the waters movements. Physical oceanographers study the actual water involved and the

movements of the ocean. Physical oceanographers study interactions between different forms of

energy and the ocean, such as radar, light, heat, sound, and wind (Anderson 5). Chemical

oceanographers refers to the third type of oceanographer. Chemical oceanographers study

distribution of chemical compounds and chemical interactions occurring in the ocean and sea

floor. Chemical oceanographers study interactions among energy from the sun, atmospheric

compounds, dissolved and suspended oceanic organic and inorganic material, sealife, and the

seafloor. (Anderson 6). Geological and geophysical oceanographers refers to the fourth type of

oceanographer. Geological and geophysical oceanographers have the task of studying the shape

and material of the seafloor sediments and rocks. These geological and geophysical

oceanographers look for patterns in the seafloor sediments and rocks. Geophysical and

geological oceanographers must relate their observations to phenomena, such as movement of

suspended sediment by currents in ocean waters. Examples of the phenomena that these

oceanographers study include the creation of new seafloor, midocean ridges, and modification to

the seafloor by different pressures (Anderson 6). Ocean Engineers refer to the fifth type of

oceanographer. Ocean engineers, similar to the usual engineers encountered on land, possess

difficult jobs equally as vital and necessary, if not more necessary, than land engineers. Ocean
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engineers design a structure that functions in the sea, instead of on the land. An example of a

structure created by an ocean engineer: a tower that stands on the seafloor and helps support oil

well drilling. Ocean engineers also possess the task of creating the equipment and procedures

used by other ocean scientists, and they usually carry this task out in close cooperation with said

scientists. Each piece of equipment requires precision and the utmost respect and care (Anderson

7). Ocean Technicians refer to the sixth and currently final type of oceanographer. Ocean

technicians possess the important task of making absolutely sure every bit of equipment used by

ocean scientists works completely right and that they do not pose a threat to the scientists. Ocean

technicians conduct hours and hours of equipment calibration and testing and preparation for

dives. Technicians normally have Bachelor degrees but may need higher training, in some cases

(Anderson 8). This field only includes more jobs for people to explore and learn about, and

people should feel encouraged by the vast difference in jobs.

In order to become a marine biologist, an important bit of knowledge to call upon

includes the day to day aspects of life as a marine scientist. The first and, in many peoples eyes,

most important topic to consider when looking at the actual everyday job and sustainability of a

marine biologist remains the salary. Marine biologists salaries vary depending on the jobs that

they may possess. Entry level marine biologists in non-profits earn from $20,000 to $30,000 a

year. Marine biologists in government positions earn over $100,000 a year (Satre). Marine

biologists in tenure positions may also make a fair amount of money. The second topic marine

scientists need to know includes the different types of jobs involved as a marine scientist. This

differs from the previous paragraph, where it discussed the different careers and the term

oceanographer, this topic focuses on the actual jobs involved. Marine biology and marine science
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in general does not refer to only one job. Marine science remains a tremendous field and career

choice. As such, there exist many different types of jobs that marine scientists take, such as

working in laboratories to study findings. Some go out and find research themselves as divers, or

some may educate and certify the divers themselves. Two such diver certifiers, David Rinker and

Eric Katsamas, spoke of positive experiences changing their lives and inspiring them to become

diver certifiers. For Eric, he grew up at the Lake Norman PADI shop his father owns, and always

possessed the desire to work with helping prospective students transition into divemasters. For

David, he attended school at Pine Lake Preparatory and participated in a summer camp held as a

part of the school with a teacher he very much enjoyed learning under, Jeff Walker (Katsamas

and Rinker). Some can work in aquariums, using their knowledge of sea life to educate the

public. One such person, Steve Vailey, curator of fishes at the New England Aquarium in

Boston, Massachusetts, designs exhibits for aquariums, hires animal care staff, and monitors

animals health and nutrition. Steve and fellow marine biologists in the aquarium collect

different species of fish throughout the world, journeying to places such as Hawaii and the

Amazon (Satre). Another type of job includes a conservationist or a scientist who looks into the

effects humans may have on the environment, and advocates for the protection of said

environment. Studies have shown time and time again that humans profoundly impact marine

environments. For example, a study done in the Comoros, an island nation located in the Indian

ocean that for years depended on reef resources and a highly diverse marine life produced

interesting results. Scientists used data from twenty one different sites to see the effects of human

influence on things such as fish richness, abundance, and biomass. The study found that the

human activities, such as fishing, beach sand extraction, and beach housing, impacted the coral
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reefs and marine wildlife on the coast of the nation most profoundly. In contrast, predictable

weather patterns and biological patterns did not maintain much of an impact at all (Freed). There

exist several different requirements for one to become a marine scientist or marine biologist.

Experts recommended that every marine biologist becomes SCUBA certified, for research dives.

Studying what one knows they will need as a marine biologist remains important but not one

hundred percent necessary. If one does not pay that much attention to marine biology in high

school, but one studies it in college, one may still become a marine scientist (Azvolinsky). Many

people, in fact, came back from job careers such as mathematics or meteorology to become

marine biologists, proving the idea of too late false, and that one always possess the option of

going back and following their dream. Important subjects to know include: chemistry, physics,

math, biology, geology, earth sciences, or any combination of them, however marine biology

does NOT completely require these (Anderson). In some specialized fields, there exist certain

requirements that one must meet. If one takes up the task of a fish farmer, for instance, they will

probably reside in the southern United States of America, and may work with two or three other

people on fish farms. The only real requirements for this type of job remains manual labor. Yet

one may also find oneself taking up jobs as a ship designer, and need much engineering and

structural knowledge of a ship, how to build one, and other invaluable information (Farning).

Above all else, there exist one thing, more important than any other requirement: a marine

biologist possesses a profound respect for wildlife and an absolute love for what they experience.

Dedication to preserving and protecting the wildlife and an enjoyment of ones job as a marine

scientist remains absolutely necessary. Some experiences can shape how one looks at ones

career of choice; for example, a young woman who goes to one summer camp and experiences
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something so overwhelmingly positive, so fulfilling, may gain a complete passion for the camp

and may decide she wants to dedicate her life to becoming a counselor and to protecting the

beauty of wildlife (Canary). For an example of day to day life in a certain country as a marine

biologist, one can look to Yugoslavia as an answer. The work done in Yugoslavia, a smaller

country, remains more akin to tasks such as researching the availability of methods of tagging

sardines, The principle species in the Yugoslav facility in the Adriatic sea (Major). Other tasks

included visiting other marine biology stations in Yugoslavia. There existed only five main

laboratories in Yugoslavia on the Adriatic sea in the 1980s: Rovinj, Split, Dubronvik, Kotor, and

a small, one-man operated station at Portoroz near the Italian border (Major). Marine biologists

in this area mostly focused their energy and studies on productivity, commercial fisheries, and

pollution. Most of Yugoslavias marine scientists possessed either a Ph.D or M.S. degree, and a

third of the marine scientists in Yugoslavia in the 1980s identified as women (Major). Yugoslav

wage earners paid no taxes, but found 38% of their taxes forwarded to the government for

funding by employment enterprises (Major). The Rovinj laboratory, one of the aforementioned

marine biology laboratories in Yugoslavia, mainly focused on principal areas of research such as

productivity, ecology, and physical-chemical oceanography. It also focused on marine

radioecology. Financing for all of these laboratories comes from the federal government, the

republics within Yugoslavia, the Academies of Science in the various republics, or from

contracts or enterprises.

Marine science created a profound impact on the world today and how scientists view it.

Marine biologists Aristotle, Captain James Cook, Jacques Costeau, and many more provided the

world with a vast knowledge of the sea and its wonderful creatures. The broad term marine
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scientist or oceanographer actually refers to a multitude of different subjects and fields;

biological oceanographer, who studies the animals, chemical oceanographer, who studies the

chemical compounds, physical oceanographer, who studies the waves, geological oceanographer,

who studies the oceans rocks and patterns, and ocean engineers, who design different structures

and buildings, but in the ocean instead of on the land. Marine science jobs may include working

with other scientists in laboratories to study the effects of creatures and animals, or working in

aquariums to educate the public on the effect humans have on the environment, and the effect the

environment has on humans. To become a marine biologist, one must immerse themselves in the

rich history of the ocean and its animals, get a degree in math, biology, physics, or chemistry,

and apply themselves and their passion to the field.

Works Cited

Anderson, Aubrey L., and College Station. Sea Grant Coll. Program. Texas A and M Univ.

"Questions About Careers In Oceanography." (1987): ERIC. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

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Azvolinsky, Anna. "Sold On Symbiosis." Scientist 29.7 (2015): 52. MasterFILE Complete. Web.

1 Dec. 2016.

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Canary, Bret. "How DEC Summer Camp Shaped My Life." New York State Conservationist

63.4 (2009): 9. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 1 Dec. 2016.

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Farning, Maxwell, and Columbus. Center for Vocational and Technical Education. Ohio State

Univ. Career Education: The Marine Science Occupations Cluster. n.p.: 1973. ERIC.

Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

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Freed, Sarah, and Elise F. Granek. "Effects Of Human Activities On The World's Most

Vulnerable Coral Reefs: Comoros Case Study." Coastal Management 42.3 (2014):

280-296. Business Source Complete. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

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Glasgow, Eric. "Jacques Cousteau And The Discovery Of The Sea." Contemporary Review

271.1580 (1997): 135. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 12 Feb. 2017.

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"History of the Study of Marine Biology - MarineBio.org". MarineBio Conservation Society.

Web. Accessed 17:03 PM 2/12/2017.

<http://marinebio.org/oceans/history-of-marine-biology/>

Katsamas, Eric and Rinker, David. Personal Interview. 22 Feb. 2017.

Major, Richard L. "Marine Biology And The Marine Biologist In Yugoslavia." Bioscience 21.6

(1971): 261-265. GreenFILE. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

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Satre, Hallie. "I want that job! Steve Vailey is a marine biologist. He works to preserve ocean

life by educating aquarium visitors through live-animal exhibits." Science World 2010:

19. Academic OneFile. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

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"Taking Stock Of Sea Life." Science World 67.4/5 (2010): 14. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 30

Nov. 2016.
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