Oceanography

A marine biologist studies organisms found in the ocean. As a marine biologist, you conduct research on the organisms found in their home, the ocean. For example,a marine biologist may study how different species in the ocean interact with one another. A person with this career may additionally study how these marine animals have evolved over time or even conduct research on a newly found species. A marine biologist collects samples of marine animals to conduct tests to find out how these…

I have always had a very concrete way of viewing myself and the world around me. I know that my diaphragm moves up and down during the process of breathing, and I know that when I inhale, my lungs expand, and when I exhale, my lungs contract. I know that a positive buoyancy causes an object to float, and I know that the transfer of energy from the wind to the water on an ocean shore causes waves. These concepts are tangible, but connecting them together like pieces of a puzzle makes the idea…

A World of Plastic In the hour long documentary, TOXIC: Garbage Island by Thomas Morton, a group of adults venture to the North Pacific gyre for 21 days to find a spinning current with tons of chemicals and plastics that will not biodegrade in order to show society how serious plastic pollution is. Throughout the documentary, the VICE team documents the plastic that has polluted the Pacific Ocean. The main argument that is used in the documentary is that most Americans do not think about…

Horseshoe crabs are an important part of the ecology of coastal communities. During the nesting season, especially in the Mid-Atlantic States, horseshoe crab eggs become the major food source for migrating birds. Over 50% of the diet of many shorebird species consists of horseshoe crab eggs. Many bird species in Florida have been observed feeding on horseshoe crab eggs. In addition, many fish species rely on horseshoe crab eggs for food. Horseshoe crabs are currently exploited in three…

Hawaii, the home of white sand beaches, pro surfing, hula dances, and warm weather. If I could move to any region within the United States, I would move to Hawaii with no hesitation. Hawaii contains a prestigious hospital and the opportunity to become a surfer. Both of which of which I have always dreamed of being a part in. Nothing would make me happier than becoming an orthopedic surgeon operating out of a Hawaiian hospital working on shark attack victims and other unlucky victims who need…

My research topic for my secondary source paper is plastic pollution. My research question is what impact has plastic pollution had on our oceans in the past 25 years. My family has always been big into traveling and when we do you will typically find us in the water snorkeling. The place that stands out most in my memory is Hawaii; the water was crystal clear, the coral bright, and the turtles would swim right next to you. This is where I fell in love with the sea, but this is also where I…

Discharge from both Lynn and Swampscott enter King’s beach at the Stony Brook outfall. This discharge includes both stormwater and wastewater. In 1991, secondary treatment of wastewater became optional in Lynn, so the wastewater that runs into the waters and sand at King’s beach is not likely to have received secondary treatment. Bacteria counts fail to meet standards for both ambient water quality and are higher than allowed for safe swimming. Further, the stream that runs across the beach is…

“It is estimated that the worldwide population of sea otters once numbered between several hundred thousand to over one million before being nearly hunted to extinction by fur traders in the 1700s and 1800s” (Defenders of Wildlife). There are only approximately 106,000 sea otters left. Due to fur trade in the early 1900s, there was once under 2,000 sea otters worldwide. Sea otters can possibly be represented as a poster child for reintroduction yet they still remain on the endangered list. There…

The oldest footprints in North America have been discovered on Calvert Island in British Columbia, Canada. The amazing archaeological discovery features 12 footprints that indicate at least three separate individuals, possibly living as a family group. Calvert Island's First Family Found in the Oldest Footprints in North America On a small island off the coast of British Columbia, a family of two adults and one child huddled around a fire. They circled around the stone-ringed fire pit,…

What is ocean policy and why is it important? The National Ocean Policy sets forth a vision of an America whose stewardship ensures that the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes are healthy and resilient, safe and productive, and understood and treasured so as to promote the well-being, prosperity, and security of present and future generations. Pollution, overfishing, and natural disasters are affecting the oceans in a negative way. Overfishing is something that can take place in any lake,…