The term marine scientist is used to describe people who study the living conditions of the sea. The first marine biologists were people who worked in the oceans and observed how food was found. Today, most marine scientists are researchers who study the lives of sea animals and plants.
Throughout history, people have been fascinated with the ocean. Some explorers, like Charles Darwin, were interested in studying the ocean's depths. They also sought to understand the food supply. During the Age of Discovery, a period between the mid-1400s and the early 1900s, ocean-going ships were invented, and adventurous men were born.
During World War II, a new scientific advancement, sonar, was developed. Sonar transmitted sound from a vessel, which outlined the profile of an object in the water column. It was used by the military and was later incorporated into the research of marine scientists.
Using underwater cameras and television, marine scientists were able to study the creatures that live beneath the sea. These discoveries have resulted in the discovery of new species. Another major advancement was the creation of scuba diving gear. This equipment allowed scientists to examine the flora and fauna of the deep sea without leaving the ship.
Collecting and preserving marine organisms is an important component of a scientist's research. These animals may be analyzed for clues to food sources, pollutants, and their exposure to various ocean conditions. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the specimens while they are still alive.
For live collection, a simple plastic bag or wad of cloth can be used to contain and transport the specimens. If possible, use a polyethylene lid to seal the bag. This is easier to obtain than a traditional bail-top jar. Preserving a living specimen involves freezing a small quantity of formalin, which will help relax the animal. The proper procedure will depend on the size and species of the animal.
Marine mammals are a valuable bioindicator for the health of aquatic environments. They are also the subject of many scientific studies, including those focused on their physiology and behavior. Unfortunately, most of these research efforts are confined to the United States and Europe. Compared to terrestrial mammal species, there is scant knowledge on how marine mammals respond to human-made sounds, and limited data on the effects of spectra, levels, and temporal patterns.
The latest research on marine mammals focuses on passive acoustic monitoring. Passive acoustic monitoring involves collecting and recording sound to determine how marine mammals react to external stimuli. Using a system of hydrophone arrays mounted on the sea floor, researchers can study animals in relation to key environmental properties.
Another popular field of research is population dynamics. This includes the study of how a species responds to different environmental conditions, as well as how the same individuals may change their responses over time. Various technologies have been implemented for this type of research, including satellite tags, visual surveys, and passive acoustics.
Salary of a marine scientist depends on his or her skills and experience, as well as his or her educational level. It also depends on the kind of employer. Generally, the salary of a marine scientist is above the national average. The BLS projects an 8% growth in jobs for marine scientists in the coming years.
Marine biologists may also receive performance-related bonuses. Depending on their area of specialization, they can earn anywhere from $8 to $91/hour. They can also work in the field or in the laboratory. Their duties include the analysis of seawater and the use of seismic technology.