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Marine life is a vast resource, providing food, medicine, and raw materials, in addition to helping to support recreation and tourism all over the world. At a fundamental level, marine life helps determine the very nature of our planet. Marine organisms contribute significantly to the oxygen cycle, and are involved in the regulation of the Earth's climate. Shorelines are in part shaped and protected by marine life, and some marine organisms even help create new land.
Marine biology covers a great deal, from the microscopic, including most zooplankton and phytoplankton to the huge cetaceans (whales) which reach up to a reported 48 meters (125 feet) in length.
Marine Ecology is the branch of ecological science concerned with organisms that live in or near the ocean, their behaviors, and their interactions with the environment. The scope of studies in marine ecology can range greatly, from examining unicellular microorganisms to researching global effects of pollution and human activity. Scientists might observe 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 overall ecosystem.
Oceanography is the branch of Earth science that studies the ocean. It covers a wide range of topics, including marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics; ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid dynamics; plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor; and fluxes of various chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries. These diverse topics reflect multiple disciplines that oceanographers blend to further knowledge of the world ocean and understanding of processes within it
Marine Glossary's These glossary's contains some of the strange words used in relating to the (marine) environment. This word list is updated from time to time, to incorporate the new words of new sections added.
These pages are intended to help both teachers and students who wish to follow the marine sciences as part of their education programme. Secondary school students and teachers will be able to find references to learning resources which they are free to use in a non profit capacity.
Students wishing to continue their studies in the marine sciences at university can find links to most of the courses available within the UK.
Powerpoints These powerpoints cover some of the issues involved in marine conservation and the marine sciences.
UK Marine Life Sea life around the coast of the British Isles is just as colourful, fascinating and beautiful as that found anywhere else in the world. This section looks at some of the marine life you can find around the coast of the UK.
