Marine biology deals with the study of various aquatic organisms. Aside from getting more information and unraveling different mysteries of the ocean, marine biologists also aim to learn more about processes that will ultimately provide for the growing needs of populations all over the globe. Aquaculture is one of these processes where people can expect higher availability and cheaper prices of goods and food. Here is some more information.

What is Aquaculture?

Aquaculture is described as the farming of saltwater and freshwater organisms such as molluscs, fishes, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Aquaculture is different from fishing. It is also called aqua farming, presents the cultivation of aquatic populations under controlled conditions. Mari culture defines aquaculture applied in marine environments. Certain types of aquaculture involves alga culture, shrimp farming, fish farming, oyster farming and the raising of cultured pearls. Some of the methods include aquaponics, integrating both plant and fish farming.

Effects on the Environment

Since aquaculture has spread rapidly, there are some individuals showing concern about the impact on the environment. Aquaculture can be more damaging environmentally, compared to exploiting wild fisheries. The concerns involve handling of waste, side effects of antibiotics, contesting between wild and farmed types and giving feed for carnivorous fish sought after by consumers. Sufficient research and improvements in commercial feeds triggered the reduction of the environmental effects.

The Processes

Farming carnivorous fish such as salmon boosts the pressure on wild fish. New studies present that enough diets for salmon and other carnivorous fish can be created from protein sources aside from fish meal, thereby minimizing pressure on fishery resources.

There are recirculation aquaculture systems located inland, well-located facilities and facilities applying polyculture techniques. These help manage the bad effects of fish waste to the environment. Fish waste is made up of nutrients needed in all components of food webs in the water. It is also organic. Aquaculture has a very concentrated nature that can trigger above normal fish waste levels in the water.

Types of Aquaculture

Alga culture is a type of aquaculture that includes the farming of algae species. Microalgae make up most of cultivated algae. Fish farming is the most common type, which involves raising commercial fish in enclosures and tanks for food. Some of the fish types kept include trout, catfish, salmon and tilapia.

Freshwater prawn farming is almost the same as marine shrimp farming. The main species involved is the giant river prawn. Mari culture is described as a special branch of aquaculture that includes the cultivation of marine organisms in the open ocean. This includes the farming of oysters, prawns and marine fish. Shrimp farming is another form of aquaculture which involves the cultivation of marine shrimp to be eaten by humans.

Some countries heavily rely on aquaculture to provide for their ever-growing population, such as China. China recently accounted for about 70% of the aquaculture production worldwide. About 90% of all United States shrimp consumption is imported or farmed. Chile is also joining the bunch by doing salmon aquaculture and exporting in different regions.

If you plan to finish a bachelor's of science in Marine Biology, it is important that you attain the total credit required first, as well as all other requirements. Colleges and universities may have different subjects and topics covered, but the core is still very much the same. You can start by asking for the course perspective or inquiring online. Here is the breakdown.

Lower Division Requirements

There are 124 semester credits required to finish Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. General education common core consists of about 45 semester credits at least. You should first complete the general education common core having one course in every of the 15 common core categories, together with 2 cross-theme requirements. You should check for eligible courses for every requirement for a complete description of the general education program. You may not apply for more than 2 courses having the same alpha toward the common core requirements. You can check and review all the HPU alphas.

Some of the courses needed for the major can also be applied to the general education course, which increase the number of unlimited elective credits available. The possible overlaps are shown parenthetically after the course name in the lower division major requirements list. You should talk to the person in charge or inquire online to know more about the prerequisites and to avoid any further conflict in the future.

The Major Requirements

Major requirements in the lower division consist of 46 to 48 semester credits. Inclusions are General Biology I, General Biology I (Laboratory), General Biology II (Global Systems A), General Biology II (Laboratory), General Chemistry I (Global Systems C), General Chemistry I (Laboratory), General Chemistry II, General Chemistry II (Laboratory), Oceanographic Field Techniques, Geological, Chemical and Physical Oceanography, Geological, Chemical and Physical Oceanography (Laboratory), Marine Biology, Marine Biology (Laboratory), Statistics, Calculus I, Calculus II, Freshmen Science Seminar, College Physics I, College Physics I (Laboratory), College Physics II, College Physics II (Laboratory), General Physics I, General Physics I (Laboratory), General Physics II and General Physics II (Laboratory).

Upper Division Requirements

The general education for the upper division consists of 7 semester credits. Upper division research and writing consist of 4 credits, while upper class citizenship requirement consists of 3 credits. The requirements include Comparative Animal Physiology, Comparative Animal Physiology (Laboratory), Evolutionary Genetics, Marine Invertebrate Zoology or Vertebrate, Marine Invertebrate or Vertebrate Zoology (Laboratory), Ecology, Ecology (Laboratory), Cell and Molecular Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology (Laboratory), Fundamental Organic Chemistry, Descriptive Regional Oceanography, Marine Ecology, Marine Ecology (Laboratory), Marine Biology Seminar, Plant Biology, Plant Biology (Laboratory), Biometry, Natural History, Cell and Molecular Biology, Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology (Laboratory), Organic Chemistry I, Biochemistry I, Environmental Chemistry, Honors Research and Practicum. Geology course and math course in the upper division may also be taken upon approval.

The Unrestricted Electives (0 Semester Credits)

Major in Marine Biology adds up to 124 credits total, so there are no additional credits needed. Further studies may be taken by the student at his or her discretion.

There are several universities and colleges offering programs that train students in marine biology. You have to find the best school that can provide you with specialization, as well as open more opportunities to gain substantial income. Keep in mind that there are several kinds and specializations. You should check out the programs and ask other students what you can expect from any given course. Here are some tips on how to pick the ideal one.

Where to Study

Marine biology colleges may be located inland in various states, but you have to expect that you will later on be assigned to offshore sites and many aquatic areas to do research and undergo projects. You should determine the different sites where you will most likely be assigned if you enroll in a particular college. You should also decide if you want to study away from home or just live a few miles away from the school.

Some colleges offer a wide range of marine biology specializations. Others may only have the major marine biology course, while other colleges have 3 or more specializations. Even though a college or university may only offer one kind of marine biology course, you can still get ahead by checking if they have other good programs that go along with the course. If you know some great marine biologists and professors teaching, it can also be a good factor in helping you determine the best college.

The Budget

Taking up marine biology in a college will most likely mean paying the same enrolment fees as other Bachelor of Science course. You will also need to pay for use of special equipment, books, study materials and uniforms. Since the course will require funds to support different types of research, you will be trained or actually apply for grants to help get financial help for your projects. There are many marine biology scholars all over the United States, provided that you have the right credentials and good grades to show your school.

Why You Want to Study

Know your reasons for wanting to study marine biology. Choosing a college will also depend on your current SAT scores, grades, finances and extracurricular activities. The high school guidance counselor can help you discuss the realistic opportunities to get into a good college. It is not uncommon for students to graduate marine biology inland, without even being close to the ocean.

On Majoring

You do not have to become a major in marine biology to be a marine biologist. Basic science can be useful enough, but it is recommended that you take up a course in marine science or take it as a minor subject. You should focus more on the basic groundwork that will help you become more knowledgeable in the course such as chemistry, physics, biology, math and engineering. You should also learn a few things about computer programming and science.

You can also try to take a double or triple major in engineering subjects, since these can directly be applied to problems in ocean science.

Once you start contemplating about the different possible career paths you can take, you should check if marine biology matches your personality and interests. Some individuals find it as their ultimate dream job, while others may only find out that they cannot bear tedious repetitions and spending hours away from home. Marine biology is a course that is perfect for explorers and curious minds. It is also a good way to make good income.

Gauging Your Interest

How interested are you in the ocean and everything else in it? Do you like sea creatures, plants, corals and aquatic ecosystems? Do you always spend time in aquariums and other water-filled environments? Are you good in science or are particularly interested in marine science? If you answer yes to all of these, you have a very high chance of becoming a good marine biologist. Interest is one thing, so you also have to consider your talents and skills and need for knowledge to know whether or not it is the right course to take.

Getting Ahead

If you wanted to learn marine biology at a very early age, then you already have an advantage. There are plenty of programs and opportunities provided in elementary and high school that can help you determine your level of interest in marine biology. You may enroll in a marine science summer camp or volunteer at local research facilities and aquariums. There are also several programs for young students in big universities and coastline cities. Find out more information on how to enroll and join by searching over the internet.

Getting Into College

You do not have to take up marine biology as a major in college to become a marine biologist. You should, however, get a bachelor's degree and complete all the basic groundwork like biology, chemistry, biochemistry and even English. There are a couple of options you can take in college. One is to major in biology and take marine biology as a specialization course. Second, it is also highly recommended that you take up a master's degree after college, since some institutions require you to have one as a minimum requirement. You can expect a more solid position and a higher salary if you finish a doctorate degree.

Choosing the Career

There are several related jobs and fields, so you do not have to end up as a marine biologist. You can work as research assistant, research professor or lab technician at a community college or high school if you finish a master's degree. If you finish your doctorate degree, you can teach at the college level and become government environmental consultant. You can work for different agencies and companies, such as nature conservation, water company or tourism group.

Marine biologists earn an average annual salary of $53,000. The top doctorates in the field make about $115,000 and above. You can find several web sites online where you can compare different jobs and discuss how much you can expect. You should also consider the assignments and locations where you will most likely be working.

You may be surprised to know that marine biologists, and other careers related to the profession can earn a lot of money. You get the best of both worlds by having the opportunity to explore the deep waters and still get substantial salary. Learning more about the coverage of each profession and having an idea about how much to expect will help you decide better. Here are some guidelines.

Salary Overview

Being a marine biologist is already a dream job for several individuals since you get the opportunity to travel all over the world, study interesting aquatic plans and animals and support different conservation efforts. You do not have to worry about travel expenses, hotel accommodations and having to purchase expensive tools and equipment, since there are already plenty of facilities and laboratories available willing to provide for your every need. You can also receive grants and other financial opportunities, provided that your type of research is interesting enough to make developments in technology and history.

Asking Questions

There can be several questions asked by the average applicant. How much can I expect to earn per week or month? Will I be paid per expedition or project or by the hour? What determines the salary difference between job positions? Will experience affect the salary? How do salaries of marine biologists compare with marine service technicians salary? How soon can I expect a raise? How big a raise can I get in the first few years?

Determining Salary

There can be several factors in determining a marine biologist's salary such as location, type of industry, benefits, type of project, degree attained and level of experience. If you check the salaries according to state, you will find that Massachusetts and Washington individuals get the highest median salary.

Depending on Location

For those interested to work in sunny locations, you will find that San Diego and Miami offer the highest salaries. A marine biologist salary range can stay the same consistently during the first few years on the job. After about 10 years in the industry, you will observe the salaries tend to shoot up significantly. The salary of marine service technicians also tend to be lower compared to marine biologists. Marine service technicians can earn more than $20 per hour after working for 20 years.

Perks and Advantages

Some marine biologists may be hired on a project basis. Individuals invited into expeditions are usually very experienced and are paid higher than the rest of the group. Some marine biologists are invited because of their specific focus and thrust in terms of studying animal and plant life and the different ecosystems.

You can also get some added advantages that may not come in the form of money, such as getting free tickets or discounts to different locations all around the globe, getting access to restricted laboratories and other institutions and getting to meet people who may offer you grants and other means of support. You can also join different seminars and forums that only selected people can attend.

Before you become a marine biologist, you need to know the requirements and tools that will help you land a stable and interesting job. The subject is so diverse, which is why you have to spend some time contemplating on which subjects to take, as well as the inclusions of each related job. You may realize that you want to work in a related profession. Here are some of the common questions asked by individuals.

What should you major in if you want to work with aquatic mammals?

Very few individuals choose to specialize in marine mammals even though the subject is very interesting. Students are recommended to take up courses in organismal biology like fish biology, marine mammals, vertebrate biology and invertebrate biology. They should also take up courses in aquaculture and aquatic animal illnesses to plan for aquarium work in the future. Students who aim to work with marine mammals must take up courses in animal behavior, as well as other courses on aquatic mammals if these are present. Volunteers can work at an aquarium or stranding program is ideally needed for entrance into the competitive field. You can visit different marine mammalogy web sites online for more information.

What should you take if you want to focus on sharks and fishes?

If you want to study sharks or fishes, you have to specialize in the subfield within the fields of marine biology and ichthyology. Students must major in Marine Biology or Biological Sciences and take up courses in Fish Biology, Vertebrate Biology, Ichthyology and other specialized courses, as much as they are available.

If you want to go to Vet School, Medical School or Dental School, can you take up Marine Biology as a major?

You can still take up marine biology as a major even if you want to take up another course or school in the future. BS in Marine Biology is just the same is BS Biological Science. It includes courses that are needed for entrance to Vet, Medical or Dental School. Students are recommended to take up different courses aside from the others to satisfy the major in marine biology, making the completion of the course more challenging with added studies.

Do I have to meet my faculty advisor every semester?

Experts highly recommend that you interact with faculty one-on-one regularly, so that these helpful people can get to know you better too. The faculty advisor can help guide you in courses that will meet your specific requirements and interest. You can learn more about research opportunities, job opportunities, internship programs, summer field courses and graduate school application procedures.

What jobs can you get after graduating Marine Biology?

Marine biology majors usually train in chemistry, physics, biology, calculus, marine biology and oceanography. Students can then be qualified for jobs as marine biologists, oceanography and educators. You can contact different universities and institutions to help you in your research and open the possibility of teaching others who also want to become marine professionals. Visit the official web site or meet with the department head.

Marine biology studies the different species, both plant and animal that thrives in the ocean. It is also important to focus on the different available habitats to know how each interacts with the environment and deal with the different dangers, benefits and threats that lurk in every corner. Knowing more about the environment will help you categorize species better and find the definite animal or plant that you are looking for. Here are some guidelines.

About Reefs

Reefs are made of some of the most diverse and densest habitats in the planet. The most popular kinds are tropical coral reefs that are present in many tropical waters. Reefs can also be available in cold water. These are created by calcium-depositing animals and corals, in most cases, over a rocky outcrop on the bottom of the ocean. Reefs can also grow on other types of surface, making it highly possible to build man-made reefs. Coral reefs can support a vast life community, including corals, tropical fishes, zooxanthellae and other organisms.

During 1998, coral reefs went through a very rare bleaching event, wherein several reefs all over the world died due to sea surface temperatures rising very high above the average. A number of reefs are still recovering from El Nino, but scientists indicate that more than half of the coral reefs on Earth are currently endangered, with global warming increasing the effects.

The Shore and Ocean

The open ocean is not very productive due to inadequate nutrients. Since it is so vast, it only produces the most primary productivity. Majority of the energy in the aphotic zone is provided by the open ocean in detritus form. The open ocean is usually made up of jellyfish, with some predators like the Mola mola.

Intertidal zones are described as areas found very near the shore. These are exposed nonstop and covered by the tides of the ocean. A wide array of life forms exists within the zone. Shore habitats also range from the upper zones to the place where land vegetation is abundant. It can also be found underwater anywhere from daily to very infrequently. A lot of species are scavengers, getting their meals from sea life washed up on shores. Bioerosion is also used by a group of organisms living in intertidal and shore habitats.

The Deep Sea

Very deep oceanic trenches are found in the Pacific Ocean. In waters this deep, the water pressure tends to be very high and sunlight is not readily available. Life still does exist in these parts. Some of the examples include small flounder fish and shrimp. The deep sea is known to begin at the aphotic zone, wherein the sunlight lacks the power of transference in the water. Many of the organisms found in this location have the capacity to produce their own light. A lot of life is also present in seamounts. Unique biomes and several microbes were found in these locations.

On Distribution

Majority of ocean life reproduces in particular areas, spends some time as juveniles in other locations and spend more time as mature species in other places. It is not yet fully known where and when exactly different organisms spend the different phases of their lives. Tracking devices can work but only up to a very limited extent.

A lot of individuals dream of becoming a marine biologist but fail to acquire the right skills and personality required for the course. Determine your interest in the subject and find out how you can cope with the requirements. You do not have to take up the actual Marine Biology course in college to be a marine biologist. You will find that there are many related courses that you can take, for you to fully enjoy your career for the long term.

School Requirements

You have to build a strong and solid educational base. Study a lot of science subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology and geology in high school. You should also study intensely and try to aim for very high grades. Also focus on your writing skills, since you will write a lot of reports and proposals in the actual job. If you want to get a graduate or doctorate degree, take up language subjects too, like German and Latin.

Do special research studies in high school and participate in science projects and conventions for students. Volunteer in research facilities and raise an aquarium. You may want to spend some money traveling to different marine labs all over the globe. Once you get to university, choose subjects that will further expand your knowledge base such as biology, physics, chemistry and biochemistry. You can also add astronomy and geology.

Choosing the School

Pick the right university and master's graduate study school that provides you with all the knowledge, tools and skills to become competent in your field. Talk to current students and professors. Find out how training is and what are the available resources and laboratories to equip you properly. Once you get your master's degree, you can further focus on getting a doctorate degree to earn big positions or have the privilege to become professor and teach. Spend some time comparing schools before making your final decision.

Finding the Job

There are several branches of marine biology that you can work in, depending on your credentials and specific interest. You can be several other related things like being an educator, oceanographer, ocean engineer, etc. Most of the job entails gathering data, creating proposals, teaching and making proposals and reports. Choose the institutions that focus on the studies that you are truly interested in. Find more information by visiting online discussion boards, web sites and joining actual events and forums.

Planning and Preparation

It is recommended that you look for a mentor who will guide you through the process. This way, you avoid the common pitfalls such as missing a subject or two and having to go back and study before you become qualified for the job. You should already determine the course you want to take, as well as continue learning about the requirements of the job. Assignments will vary depending on your location, the subject and the institution. You can also take up more units to become qualified in another marine profession, should you lose interest in your current work.

It can sometimes be confusing for students to decide whether they should major in Marine Biology or just go for other related sciences. It is important to know that there are requirements needed in high school to get into a good college or university that will help you hone your skills further and prepare for the actual profession. You have to understand the differences between majors then make the final decision on what course is best.

What are the Requirements for the Marine Biology Course?

There are no specific requirements to get into the Marine Biology program at present. Any student who wants to take the BS Marine Biology course is recommended to take up as many math and science subjects as possible. Some of the good foundations include Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Trigonometry and Precalculus.

You can major in Marine Biology if you have a big interest in learning about different aquatic organisms and the marine environment in general. You can also major if you want to become a voter and informed citizen, since several current issues include policies that are related to the conservation and use of the ocean and coastal habitats, plus the use of the marine resources.

If you are majoring in Marine Biology, can you do a minor or double major in other subjects?

You can do a minor or double major in other subjects in the university, except for biological sciences, since it is given by the same department as your major in Marine Biology. You are not required to do a minor. You should consult the department head or advisor for more data.

Undergraduates should not specialize very quickly. Marine biology majors, especially those who plan to be professional marine biologists, take a strong foundation in a wide range of sub disciplines in modern biological sciences. Marine biology programs in a number of institutions can include marine-related courses only. It is not ideal, but BS Marine Biology requires students to take up Calculus, Chemistry, Physics and four courses in various sub disciplines in biological sciences, apart from marine biology electives.

What is the difference between Oceanography and Marine Biology?

Oceanography is described as the study of oceans and the physical, chemical, geological and biological processes that happen within the subject. It is a subject that can be studied in graduate school and needs undergraduate training in biology, physics, chemistry and geology. Marine Biology emphasizes on the biology of different organisms that thrive in the ocean. It is a sub discipline of biology, but sometimes overlaps with Biological Oceanography.

What are the differences between majoring in Marine Biology and Biological Science major?

The two majors need general chemistry, organic chemistry, general biology, physics, calculus and four core courses in biological science. While BS in Biological Science requires microbiology course, and plant biology course, the curriculum still requires students to take up oceanography and then complete 36 credits of biology with electives in marine biology. You can take up biological science even if you want to become a marine biologist, provided that you also take up the subject.

There are several aspects of marine biology. Some of these tend to be very boring and take several trials and repetitions before you can come up with a definite conclusion or results. If you, however, study mammals instead, you may realize that research tends to become more interesting and easier, since these animals react very quickly. You will have more data to gather and observe, thereby providing you the opportunity to enhance your skills.

The 3 Orders

Marine mammals are generally grouped into 3 orders. The order Cetacean includes dolphins, whales and porpoises. The order Pinnipedia involves walruses, seals and sea lions. The order Sirenia includes dugongs and manatees.

The whole lifecycle of the order Cetacean is aquatic. There are a couple of sub-orders founded on the feeding mechanism, namely Odonticeti and Mysticeti. The order Pinnipedia involves part of their lifecycle being terrestrial. The word Pinnipedia means "feather-footed" since the animals possess 4 webbed fins. These can be found in all oceans, but most reside at high latitudes, traveling usually in herds and carrying out very long migrations. The order Sirenia usually spends their whole lifecycle in the water. These are the only aquatic animals that eat plants mainly.

The Suborders of Cetacean

The sub-order Mysticeti includes baleen whales and blue whales. These animals use baleens or brush-like triangular continuously renewing plates that hang from the roof of the mouth, with 480 plates on each jaw side. The plates filter zooplankton, squid and small fish, with the tongue moving the food into the throat.

Right whales are skim feeders, grey whales feed via a suction mechanism on animals living on the bottom of the ocean and minke whales feed by gulping and lunging. Different whales use various approaches to eat successfully. The sub-order odonticeti includes mammals that have their first teeth remain until they die. These grasp and swallow whole prey. A good example is the killer whale.

About the Pinnipeds

Pinnipeds have a low SA/V ratio and develop insulation via their hair and blubber. Fur seals can have so many hairs belonging to either underfur fibers or guard hairs. These all moult, especially during the summer after breeding period, while others just remain out of the water until complete. Pinnipeds exhale before deep dives and have high myoglobin and hemoglobin concentrations. These animals feed usually on fish and squid. The walrus will use their tusks to dig for animals living on the bottom.

The Sirenia

Sirenians are distributed widely but are usually caught for their hides, meat and oil. They are particularly prone because they are placid and slow moving. Danger comes mainly from powerboats at present and their loss of habitat. These animals are very social but now prefer to go in family groups or alone.

Dugongs are usually found in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Manatees can be found in Atlantic coastal waters. Sireneans inhale before they dive into the water, just like whales. These can dive for 10 to 20 minutes. Bristles can detect food to help themselves tide over the lean months.