Education
-
5 Productive Activities For Aspiring Marine Biologists This Summer
Summer is a time to kick back and relax, relish the good weather, and get caught up on those nitpicking tasks you’ve pushed off all year long. However, it’s also an opportune time to get ahead as a student. Whether that be taking summer classes or starting a summer internship, you now have some time to focus on some career-making moves. To excel in your career while also enhancing your marine biology knowledge and summer experience, consider these 5 summer activities. 1. Catch Up On the Documentaries You’ve Been Meaning to Watch No matter where you turn, it seems like everyone is talking about that one documentary with the octopus.…
-
7 College Classes to Jumpstart a Monumental Marine Biology Career
Between the random runs for ice cream at 2 in the morning and hanging out with your new dorm friends, college is first and foremost about taking college classes. Thankfully, in marine biology, you have the privilege of taking some of the coolest classes out there (of course, alongside the obligatory, dreaded weed out classes). To start your career off on the right foot, it’s vitally important to choose these classes strategically. For instance, if you envision working with marine mammals, it would be helpful to take classes related to marine mammal biology. Or, if plankton interests you, consider taking classes in microbiology or oceanography. Perhaps, you’re not totally sure…
-
Overfishing: Facts You Ought to Know and How to Help
Amidst the environmental challenges in our ocean today, overfishing poses a major problem to the integrity of our ecosystems and economies. When fish stocks decline, we all suffer. For people across the globe, fishing is not only essential for food, but it is also essential for income. When fisheries are in peril, the livelihoods of entire communities and the fishermen providing for these communities are at risk. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the consequences of overfishing and advocate for sustainable practices. To learn more about the causes of overfishing and solutions for ending overfishing, read this beginner’s guide. Overfishing Causes According to the World Wildlife Fund, overfishing occurs when…
-
Coral Bleaching: The Basics You Need to Know
Returning to your favorite snorkel spot, you stumble upon decaying white coral—a devastating result of coral bleaching. What used to be a radiant reef full of colorful coral and fish is now washed out, depleted, and lonely. No fish in sight anymore. But, what exactly is coral bleaching? And, what causes it? Most importantly, how can we prevent this from happening? For many, corals are one of the most awe-inspiring and majestic aspects of the ocean. When I was younger, snorkeling along the coral reefs in Hawai’i greatly impacted my decision to be a marine biologist. Full of life, coral reefs teem with biodiversity, beauty, and fascinating discoveries. To learn…
-
10 Practical Reasons You Should Join a Marine Biology Club
Just as you’re running late to your next class, someone passes you a marine biology club flyer. Instead of slipping it in your pocket, as you did with the hundreds of the other flyers thrown your way, you give it a second glance. Perhaps, this club is the one. For many students, clubs are the heart of college. With clubs, you can make new connections and build a community of people with similar interests. In my experience, joining a marine biology club opened me up to far more opportunities and friendships than simply sitting in class. Just going along with the everyday academic routine in college is not enough; it’s…
-
A Beginner’s Guide to the Plastic Pollution Plaguing Our Oceans
Across all corners of the world, plastic pollution plagues streams, rivers, and oceans. In many ways, it’s simply because everything’s connected. For instance, one piece of trash, no matter the size, can embark on a road trip from one side of the Earth to the other using waterways. Strolling along the beach, you may find a brightly-colored shell—only to realize that it’s, in fact, a long-lost plastic bottle cap. Here lies a mere symptom of the ocean plastic crisis; this is only the surface of a much bigger problem. To truly grapple with ocean plastic pollution, you’ll have to dive deeper, maybe even to the abyssal depths of the ocean.…
-
5 Foolproof College Tips to Save Money and the Ocean
Let’s face it: college is expensive, and if you’re trying to save money, it can get challenging at times. As you navigate your degree in marine biology, the cost of books, housing, food, and classes can mount. Therefore, maximizing your budget and time is vitally important. To ensure you’re keeping a good eye on your financial health, give these 5 tips a try, and save money today. 1. Master the art of budgeting. At the heart of every money-saving story is a budget. Perhaps, you’ve dabbled in building a budget before, or, maybe, it’s a mysterious and foreign concept. Regardless, budgeting can be one of the most powerful tools to…
-
Mastering the Art of Snorkeling with 15 Easy Methods
Dipping your toes in the ocean is one thing, but taking a dip and snorkeling in the ocean is a whole other experience. Engaging and immersive, snorkeling offers a portal into the inner workings of the ocean and a new perspective of the planet. To this day, I remember my first time snorkeling in Maui, Hawai’i. After the initial shock of seeing schools of vibrant fish, I felt forever connected to the ocean. With myriads of new snorkeling stories, I went home determined at the age of 8 to be a marine biologist. Flash forward a decade or so, I’m a marine biologist still in awe of snorkeling. With the…
-
15 Tips to Make Your Tide Pooling Trip Safe, Fun, and Affordable
When you’re looking for that aquarium experience—but without the swarms of strollers and the costly souvenirs—consider a tide pooling trip. Along the rocky intertidal zone, you may come across all sorts of bizarre critters, ranging from mussels and barnacles to seals and sea lions. You may even find an octopus. Or, maybe a bright purple sea star! Since tide pooling is full of possibility and discovery, it’s a great activity for families. If your child wants to learn more about animals, the tide pools are a perfect place to start. Peering into a tide pool is, oftentimes, like peering into a miniature ocean. So, next time you want to engage…
-
Easy Marine Biology Experiments and At-Home Activities For Every Budget
With at-home marine biology experiments, anyone can be a scientist, no matter the budget or expertise. For instance, many picture a scientist wearing a lab coat and goggles, but anyone—even someone lounging on a couch in pajamas—can engage in science. All you need is curiosity, questions, and a desire to learn. Are you an aspiring marine biologist? Trying to save money while also investing in education? Maybe you’re a parent trying to get your child more involved in science? Dive into marine biology with these experiments and activities all while sticking to your budget. If you’d like to learn about majoring in marine biology, check out this article. Disclaimer: For…
