Marine Biology

What is it?

The study of life in the ocean, combining the biology of ocean creatures with the ecology of diverse underwater habitats. Marine biologists understand how marine organisms (from tiny plankton to whales) live, interact, and adapt. In a world where the ocean is changing faster than ever before, marine biologists also study how oceans support global systems like food webs, the carbon cycle, and climate regulation.

Median annual salary
$ 0
People employed U.S.
0
Job growth score (out of 100)
0

What would you do?

Gather data by tagging animals and collecting samples
Research how habitats and animals interact through experiments
Model ecosystems response to climate change or pollution
Create underwater technology to monitor wildlife and ocean changes
Write impact reports to help policymakers and conservationists protect our oceans

Relationship to climate change

Marine biology is essential to protecting and understanding the ocean, which regulates climate change and stores carbon
To fight climate change, marine biologists…
Store carbon
• Grow mangrove trees and seagrass that store carbon
• Measure how much carbon the ocean absorbs in different places
• Protect vulnerable habitats to stop them releasing carbon into the atmosphere
• Encourage phytoplankton growth
Conserve life
• Protect habitats with marine organisms threatened by warming oceans and acidification
• Track animal populations over long periods of time to understand how climate change is affecting oceans
• Develop ways to better shield habitats and animals from climate change effects
Discover new technologies
• Develop carbon-capture solutions like seaweed that can double as biofuel
• Create low-emission aqua farming processes
• Deploy better drones and sensors to track ocean and animal health
• Invent methods to restore coral reefs or kelp forests
Guide action
• Advice governments and organizations on ocean/climate policies
• Identify the most vulnerable habitats that require urgent action
• Educate the public about shopping and daily-life habits that protect oceans
Use marine biology for these climate change solutions…
More solutions

Get Started

Marine biology is a great fit if you’re interested in nature, complex systems, innovative technologies, and protecting wildlife. Explore classes and project ideas to get started:
Recommended classes
High school:
Biology (H)
AP Biology

Physics (H)
AP Physics

Chemistry (H)
AP Chemistry

Geometry (H)
Precalc/Trigonometry (H)
AP Statistics

AP Environmental Science
Marine Science
AP Seminar (helpful)
AP Research (helpful)
Measure carbon in soil or mud samples in wetlands
Compare how different aquatic plants tolerate temperature, acidity, or salinity changes
Use open-source databases to look out how ocean species react to climate change
Join citizen science groups and contribute local data to global climate studies
Build a small aquarium to test how well algae absorbs carbon dioxide
Build a DIY underwater sensor to monitor a local body of water
Climate Change Impacts on the Ocean and Marine Resources
Why is the ocean so important for climate change?
Hidden biological processes can affect how the ocean stores carbon
The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change
How Scientists Are Using Drones to Study Sperm Whales
Written by Aiden Miao
Palo Alto High School (2027)