The study of the organisms- from microscopic ones to the huge whales, that dwell in the ocean and other brackish water bodies (estuaries, wetlands), is known as Marine Biology. It covers all aspects of their life also – existence, physiology, genetics, behavior patterns and ecosystem, and relation with their environment.
Marine Biology is a sub category of Oceanography (physical, geological and physical oceanography is important for understanding of marine biology), but is vast in itself. It also involves the study of biology and ecology. It is not only about the study, but also the discovery of new life or organism in the ocean, knowing about their habitat and mode of life, as well as the conservation of marine life.
Because of its multidisciplinary nature, marine biology includes the study of chemistry, molecular biology and applied mathematics. Other essential elements of study are – astronomy, geology, meteorology, zoology, bio-geography, botany, anthropology, economics and marine law.
There are certain techniques or ways by which the marine life is studies.
The first method is Trawling. It is a method by which samples or specimens of marine organisms is collected for study. Though an important mode but there is an inherent danger of damaging the delicate marine environment, and there is also great difficult in collecting these samples.
Plankton Nets are often used by marine biologists to collect the microscopic organisms. Also are used the Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), that are unmanned submarine robots used for the transmission of data between vehicle and the researcher. It is utilized in places where diving into the ocean is not possible due to ecological reasons and no other technique can be used. ROVs are fitted with cameras to capture and click marine life.
Fiber optic observational equipments use LED light and low light cameras (to not disturb deep-sea organisms) to capture the behavior of the marine creatures in their native habitat.
Satellites are also being used for the study. They can capture a vast area and forms and landscape of ecological areas, as well as migration and movement of organisms of the ocean. The temperature can also be noted with the help of this. Satellites are essential for information about the ocean currents and climatic conditions. Also they are used to study the marine features like reefs.
Very few students opt for a career in this field. For an interested individual, opportunities are available in the fishery industry, conservation departments, and in aqua-culture (commercial cultivation of marine organisms).
