The Importance of Oceanic Research

Emma Brennan

English III Honors Pd. 1

Mr. Piatak

February 23, 2017

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The beach may exemplify a prime vacation destination, but what lies beyond that familiar

sandy shore remains obscure. Divulging the mysteries of the sea remains the goal of marine

scientists worldwide, however, considering that the oceans cover the majority of the Earths

surface, extensive research must continue in order to sufficiently understand all that the

underwater world offers. Imagine scuba diving off the coast of Florida, submerging into the

seemingly unfamiliar underwater culture and soaking up all of the wonders that lie beneath the

surface. To some, the ocean may seem like an unreachable water abyss, but to others the sea

offers advantageous discoveries that can lead to a better tomorrow. Due to the overwhelming

amount of surface area in which the ocean covers, marine biology remains an important and

worthwhile career that often receives inadequate recognition in regards to the intriguing

background, required education, and daily demands of this field.

Questions surrounding the ocean and the organisms that reside in it have existed since the

beginning of time. It all dates back to around 1200 BC when Greek mythology held influential

power and, in turn, set the stage for the development of marine science. Referencing Greek

poems such as The Odyssey and The Iliad became the first recorded gateways for

information regarding the ocean and its helpful qualities. Eventually Aristotle, named the father

of marine biology, brought the idea of marine life into existence during 384-322 BC with his

writings regarding newly discovered aquatic organisms (History of the...). Although the initial

discovery of marine ecosystems and the life that lies within them dates back to before Christ,

these foundational findings have lead to some historically advantageous marine science

breakthroughs.

Eventually Captain James Cook began to circumnavigate uncharted waters during the
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18th century, documenting his findings regarding intriguing new marine plants and animals.

Charles Darwin, responsible for the well known Theory of Evolution, also studied and collected

extensive research on early marine biology. Darwin served as a naturalist on the HMS Beagle, a

ship that held the sole purpose of voyaging avast uncharted waters. The voyage of the HMS

Beagle eventually led to a new journey undertaken by Sir Charles Wyville Thomson and a newer

ship, equipped with all the necessary tools for extensive oceanic research, known as the HMS

Challenger. According to A History of the Study of Marine Biology, this voyage is often referred

to as the birth of oceanography. The HMS Challenger gave way to almost 30,000 pages of

information regarding the formerly uncharted oceans and all they have to offer. Research from

the voyage undertaken by the HMS Challenger, proved British explorer Edward Forbes wrong

after extensive deep sea exploration showed that marine life could indeed thrive 1,800 feet below

sea level (History of the...). This exemplifies one of the numerous findings discovered by the

research team aboard the HMS challenger. This voyage led to the discovery of around 4,717 new

species as well as the discovery of the mid-Atlantic Ridge, as stated by A History of the Study of

Marine Biology. The thousands of pages documented during this voyage still serve as a strong

point of reference for marine biologists worldwide (History of the...). These first voyages

across the now semi-familiar sea gave way to many more oceanic exploration opportunities and

techniques.

Not long after the voyages mentioned above, marine laboratories started to establish

themselves around the world. The College of France became the first to establish a marine

research facility in Concarneau, France in 1859 known as the Station Biologique de Roscoff. The

establishment of this facility on the coast of France gave optimal research opportunities to those
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in attendance. The Station Biologique de Roscoff led to the introduction of even more marine

institutes such as the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, and

the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. After the idea of studying marine biology earned

popularity during the 19th and 20th centuries, funding and grants promoted more in depth

oceanography research (History of the...). At this point in history, technology had started

impacting society more than in the past and highly anticipated research opportunities began to

blossom.

Scientists from the 20th century have helped shape the significance of marine biology

today due to their notable research and worthwhile discoveries. Among these, Rachel Carson, a

marine biologist and writer, simplified the complicated wonders of the sea with her many

published works. Yet another female biologist, Dr. Sylvia Earle, not only became well known for

her conclusion that the flourishment of a marine ecosystem depends solely on the quality of its

vegetation, but she also gained attention during the Tektite II mission. The Smithsonian Institute

proposed a mission in which scientists would conduct research by living amongst a marine

ecosystem; missions which became known as the Tektite I and II missions. The Tektite II

mission occurred after the Tektite I mission in which they rejected Earle due to its all male cast.

Rejection from the Tektite I mission did not stop Earle from her aspiration, instead she gained

the motivation needed to make her way towards the Tektite II mission in which an all female cast

presented itself. The memory of Dr. Sylvia Earle will continue to live on due to her stellar

biological research as well as her efforts towards gender equality (History of the...).

Furthermore, deep-sea explorer Dr. Robert Ballard earns remembrance for his assistance in the

development of remotely operated technologies that helped further research in deep sea
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conditions. The technologies mentioned above helped Ballard in finding the cruise ship well

known today as the Titanic. Other explorers such as Jacques Cousteau and Dr. Hans Hass

became well known for inventions such as compressed air tanks, designed for easier underwater

breathing, as well as underwater flash cameras (History of the...). These great individuals

above have promoted the rigorous continuation of marine science research as well as the

development of innovative fieldwork techniques and technologies.

The ocean covers about 71% of the Earths surface, however conclusions seem to prove

that the discovery of only 5% of the underwater world has taken place (History of the...). For

this reason, marine biology proves itself as a significant and continuously developing career

choice. With advances in technology and an increase in concern for the well-being of the planet,

oceanographic research must continue in order to maintain the sustainable use of oceanic

resources and aid in the prevention of further issues regarding marine ecosystems.

The subject area of marine biology lies under the much broader topic of marine science,

also known as oceanography. According to the Encyclopdia Britannica, oceanography branches

off into four separate categories; physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography.

All of these branches deal with the five global oceans known today as the Atlantic, Pacific,

Indian, Arctic, and Southern oceans. Although each branch of oceanography directly deals with

the ocean and its properties, each branch specializes in a specific aspect of the sea. For example,

those in the field of physical oceanography focus on the movement of the ocean as well as how

the atmosphere impacts its motion. On the other hand, chemical oceanographers place the

emphasis on the seawater and the factors that may have an affect on its composition. The study

of ocean basins and other physical structures that lie underwater fall under the branch of
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geological oceanography. Last but not least, biological oceanography deals with marine life;

their ecosystems as well as their methods for survival (Oceanography). Overall, the study of

oceanography as a whole remains imperative to the understanding and sustainable usage of the

ocean as a human resource.

The interdisciplinary study of marine biology entails much more than just the plants and

animals that have made a living in aquatic ecosystems. For example, one may study

microbiology which narrows down to understanding how microorganisms, which account for

98% of the oceans biomass, play an active role in food chains as well as other areas of the

oceanic ecosystem (What is Marine...). A cetologist, another specific type of biological

oceanographer, studies marine mammals such as seals, manatees, and whales, while an

ichthyologist studies sharks as well as other wild fish such as salmon and tuna. The study of

cephalopods, known as teuthology, includes organisms like octopuses and cuttlefish. Some

biologists, known as botanists, study the plants under the ocean, and marine ecologists study the

relationships between the organisms living in a particular oceanic environment (Zoologist and

Wildlife Biologists). In conclusion, one may see biological oceanography as an interdisciplinary

field in which specialization can occur in a range of oceanic areas.

The management of fisheries as well as the observation of the wild fish population

exemplifies one area of specialization for biological oceanography. Seafood happens to account

for a large portion of the human diet, due to its source of protein and immense availability.

Although humans have adapted to the pampered ways of self-indulgence, extinction of fish and

other aquatic organisms may occur if wrongly taken advantage of. Commercial fishing grounds,

also known as fisheries, must maintain sustainable and health conscious practices in which
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oceanic ecosystems remain unharmed due to human efforts. In order to continue relying on

seafood as a sizable part of the human diet, individuals must take the study of aquaculture,

another subject area under marine biology, seriously. Of course other disciplines in which marine

biologists may concern themselves include the the study of the health of oceanic environments,

marine mammals, deep-sea exploration practices, oceanography, and the behavior of marine

animals (What is Marine...). Furthermore, almost all individuals who show interest in the

ocean and its properties will find a subject area most fitting for their individual skills.

Marine Biologists use their extensive knowledge of marine organisms and ecosystems in

order to conduct helpful research on ways in which humans can make the ocean an even more

useful resource. Depending on the area of specialization chosen, individuals may have the

opportunity to look for oceanic properties that have the potential to improve the health or

well-being of the world. According to the article titled Explore Careers: Zoologists and Wildlife

Biologists, some typical tasks of marine biologists could include conducting lab or field research,

analyzing specimens in order to identify them, observing marine species or ecosystems for data

collection, and writing research and lab reports on groundbreaking discoveries. In order to make

proper discoveries in this field, certain skills and abilities should take priority over others. Dr.

Richard Viso, Assistant Director of the Center for Marine and Wetland Studies at Coastal

Carolina University, makes this suggestion to students pursuing a marine science career: I

would suggest learning quantitative skills, computing skills, and lab/technical skills. He goes on

to say that learning these skills remain important in regards to understanding the fundamentals of

any science pathway (Viso). Although some may think that science fields do not require English

skills, having reading comprehension as well as writing abilities can help when writing and
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interpreting lab reports. Marine science fields also require major critical thinking and analytical

skills in order to make groundbreaking and worthwhile discoveries (Explore Careers:

Zoologists...). Overall, the skills individuals naturally possess can help further marine science

research as well as contribute to the many highly anticipated scientific breakthroughs.

In regards to the education necessary for marine biologists, a plethora of schools offer

marine science programs all around the world and many different research pathways present

themselves to prospective marine biologists. According to U.S. News & World Report, The

University of North Carolina at Wilmington tops the list for the best university in the state of

North Carolina for marine biology and oceanography. In regards to the best colleges in the

southern region of the United States, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of North

Carolina at Wilmington as number 16 out of 149 schools (How Does UNC...). This public

coed university located on the coast of North Carolina in Wilmington, commonly goes by the

abbreviation UNCW. This university offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in marine

biology and biological oceanography. With this school residing right alongside Wrightsville

Beach, marine science students can receive hands on learning and research experience straight

from the campus, no commute necessary. In regards to the acceptance level of this university,

81% of the students accepted into UNCW had a grade point average of 3.75 or above, based on

the scale used by most high schools and colleges. Regarding prerequisite concerns, UNCW

requires students to take either the SAT or the ACT. Accepted students received an average score

of between an 1180 and 1330 on the SAT, based on the 1600 scale. Students who received

between a 23 and a 27 on the ACT had a high likelihood of acceptance into this university. The

courses that UNCW requires as high school prerequisites include: four english courses, two
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foreign language, one history, four math, three science, one science-lab, and one social studies

class (University of North...). For those that live in North Carolina, the University of North

Carolina at Wilmington exemplifies a prime choice for individuals wanting to submerge

themselves in the future of marine science exploration.

Comparable to UNCW, which ranks as best in North Carolina, the State University of

New York at Stony Brook ranks as the best school for marine science in the United States

(What Are the...). This sizable, coed, public university, also referred to as Stony Brook

University, resides on the urban north shore of Long Island, New York. Stony Brook University

sits among the top 100 national universities ranking as number 96 out of 310 schools according

to U.S. News & World Report. Similar to UNCW, Stony Brook University requires students to

complete either the SAT or ACT standardized test before admission. According to The College

Board, only 41% of applicants receive admittance into this selective university each year. Stony

Brook hosts one of 33 federal Sea Grant programs administered by the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (What Are the...). This program, known as the School of Marine

and Atmospheric Sciences, or SoMAS, receives federal funding from the National Science

Foundation. The SoMAS offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in the marine

sciences (What Are the...). Due to the plethora of oceanography degrees offered at this

institution, many marine scientists find themselves invested in the programs and opportunities

offered here.

For those interested, postgraduate education offers even more opportunities such as the

ability to do in depth exploratory field work or even conduct independent research. Typically, for

those who take interest in conducting research with a team of other scientists, one should at least
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acquire a bachelors degree, if not a masters degree. Those who desire to research independently

should acquire a Ph.D. in the subject area they choose (Bureau of Labor). Having the ability to

conduct independent research as well as lead new projects may sound exciting and trouble-free,

however, these undertakings will quickly fade away without the proper funding. According to

the Bureau of Labor Statistics, independent researchers hold the responsibility for finding their

own sources of funding, which can prove more challenging than one may expect. The

employment opportunities available to a marine scientists depends on the degree earned by the

individual. For example, those earning a bachelors or masters degree should look into

employment opportunities at aquariums, government agencies, or nonprofit research facilities.

On the other hand, working at a more substantial research facility, such as a college or

university, would prove an ideal route for individuals that have made the journey towards a

Ph.D. (Spotlight on Marine...). Marine biologists may work anywhere from in an aquarium to

on a boat off the coast of Mexico. The possibilities become endless depending on what area of

marine biology one chooses to study as well as what topics prove as most valuable in regards to

the student. According to Dr. Richard Viso, a wide range of settings offer employment

opportunities for marine scientists. Some specific examples of career opportunities include

working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps, the National

Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, and of

course global fisheries (Viso). In addition, the average marine biologist in the year 2015 made

around $59,680; however, it depends on what educational degree they have earned as well as

what study the individual practices. Those with a Ph.D. in marine science will most likely earn

more money than those with just a bachelors or masters degree due to the added experience and
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education they hold (Bureau of Labor). Although obtaining a Ph.D. may seem like the most

desirable option, all marine science degrees contribute significantly in regards to global oceanic

research.

The ocean makes up a large percentage of the Earths surface, however a significant

amount of research still needs to take place in order to understand the ocean in its entirety. For

this reason, one may assume that the job outlook for marine scientists would increase faster than

average. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth rate from

2014 to 2024 regarding the employment of marine biologists remains lower than the average

employment growth rate at about 4%. Some believe that this has resulted from the decrease in

governmental funding, which remains one of the the main sources of employment for those

interested in sustainably using and preserving the environment. Marine scientists, as well as

other wildlife biologists and ecologists, often receive inadequate funding and recognition for

their work as it may seem unimportant and irrelevant to the present day. Governmental agencies

quickly cut funding for environmental research however as the human population continues to

grow, knowledge regarding the effects of overpopulating the planet will soon become

imperative. The government should continue to fund environmental research in order to prevent

the flourishing of disease, pollution, wildlife extinction, climate change and habitat loss present

on Earth (Bureau of Labor). Although they may receive limited credit for their work, marine

biologists play a major role in the comfortable daily lives of humans today.

Even as the population of the world increases, many fail to recognize the need for

biological oceanographers as well as other marine scientists due to the lack of knowledge

regarding the interactions between humans and the aquatic ecosystems that impact the
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environment. With the amount of surface area in which the ocean covers, individuals should put

their best effort into researching the underwater abyss that remains largely unfamiliar. In order

for the sustainable use of the resources located under the rough waves of the Earths many

oceans, ceaseless research must persist in order to make revolutionary discoveries. For this

reason, biological oceanography will continue to prove itself as an imperative and developing

career choice for years to come.

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