Some marine ecologists study coral reefs and other ocean ecosystems.
Marine ecology is the branch of ecological science that deals with the organisms that live in or near the ocean, their behaviors, and their interactions with the environment. The scope of studies in marine ecology can vary widely, from examining single-celled microorganisms to investigating the global effects of pollution and human activity. Scientists can look at a specific population of organisms, identifying their behaviors and relationships, or investigate entire marine habitats to see how different living and nonliving factors contribute to the larger ecosystem.
A career in marine biology may involve the study of bacteria and microorganisms in a laboratory.
Researchers studying marine ecology often focus on the behavior and adaptations of animals. For example, a scientist might observe a certain population of marine organisms to find out how they find food, mate, interact with other species, and adapt to environmental conditions. He or she can revisit a group of organisms over time to assess their reproductive success, migration patterns, population numbers, and their responses to different types of climate.
Marine ecology can study the relationships between prey and predators in specific areas.
Scientists specializing in ecosystem ecology may spend months or even years investigating a specific region, such as a coastline, to discover the various impacts that living and nonliving components have on the local environment. They investigate the different types of native plants and animals and their interactions within an ecosystem. Marine scientists often consider the effects of nonliving variables, such as light, temperature, and water salinity, on populations of living things. They can also try to determine how human actions and non-native marine species affect the well-being of an ecosystem.
A marine ecologist may use microscopes and other laboratory equipment to analyze soil, air, and water samples.
In addition to field observations and studies, marine ecology can be carried out in a laboratory setting. Marine ecologists often use microscopes and other laboratory equipment to analyze samples of soil, air, water, and living matter. They might try to determine how pollution levels or water quality have changed over time and how different organisms have adapted to these environmental changes. Laboratory scientists study bacteria, algae, or other microorganisms to learn more about their roles in an ecosystem.
Many marine ecologists work for government agencies and nonprofit environmental organizations to promote conservation and protection efforts. Marine ecology experts working for the government often offer tours, lectures, and seminars to educate the general public about the importance of marine ecosystems and what people can do to better protect them. Those who work for nonprofits may lead cleanup projects to restore damaged shorelines and tidal pools. An educated and concerned population can take many steps to ensure that marine plants and animals and their environments continue to thrive.