marine biology thesis ideas

77 Easy Marine Biology Research Topics

The marine habitat is a world of wonder, with more undiscovered mysteries than what we know. The curiosity born from these gaps in knowledge is enormous, so research is necessary to provide as much information as possible.

A sacrosanct part of this information is finding the right aquatic biology research topics to base your paper on. Whether you are a student, or looking to carry out research in the field of marine biology, having good marine biology research topics will be of immense help to you.

Interesting Marine Biology Research Topics to Explore

How do bioluminescent animals produce their light?
The adaptability of bioluminescent animals to their habitats
The relationship between the clownfish and sea anemone
How are pearls formed?
The impact of plastic wastes in marine habitats
Forms of pollution in marine environment
The four classes of marine biology
Effects of climate change in marine habitats
Phytoplanktons in the food chain
Immunity in fishes
Disease tolerance in oysters
The diversity of marine organisms
Parasites of aquatic organisms
Buoyancy in sharks
The marine food chain
Adaptation of aquatic organisms to salinity
Adaptation of aquatic organisms to fresh water
The current rise in sea levels, and the consequences
Effects of underwater movement of tectonic plates on marine life
Symbiotic relationships between marine animals
Parasitic organisms that affect whales
Adaptation of birds to marine environment
Mutation in aquatic organisms due to chemical spills
Effects of toxins in marine habitats
Melting glaciers and its effects on marine life
Causes of fish die-offs
Bioremediation in deep waters
Factors that contribute to changes in oceans
Aestivation in African lungfish
Factors that lead to depletion of oxygen in marine habitats
Causes of acidification in oceans
How greenhouse gasses affect marine life
The toxicity of sea anemones
Feeding and metabolism in starfishes
Reasons for dying of coral reefs
What whale migration says about their behaviour
Reasons for migration in dolphins
Food web in marine habitats
The contribution of microorganisms in marine environment
Behavioural adaptation of x-ray fishes to avoiding predators
Diversity of marine plants
Reproduction in marine animals
Different sources of pollutants in marine environments
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation in marine environments
Microplastics: small objects, big problems
Migration of microplastic toxins along the food chain
Ways of reducing the problem of plastic in marine habitats
Marine dumping
Conservation of coral reefs
Control of water pollution
Distinctive features of marine fishes
Energy pyramids in marine environments
Relationship between selected marine organisms
Diversity of corals
Effets of ocean acidification on clownfish
Effects of ocean acidification on other marine forms
Ways of minimising ocean acidification
Formation and effects of marine snow
Camouflage in octopuses
Adaptation of squids to their habitat
Reasons for migration in albatrosses
Migration in zooplankton
Adaptive features of marine plants
The role of sargassum plays in marine habitats
Sinking of marine waste products
formation of calcium sediments
protection of marine habitats
Viral infections in primary producers of food in marine habitats
Importance of calcium carbonate to marine organisms
Relationship between climate change and ocean acidification
Heat waves in marine habitats
Impact of heat waves on marine life
Causes of harmful algal blooms in marine habitats
Relationship between ocean acidification and marine algal bloom
Effects of depletion of oxygen in marine ecosystems
Interaction between the atmosphere and marine habitats
Oxygen distribution along ocean depths.

These marine biology research topics are an accumulation of matters, questions and dark areas of knowledge in aquatic biology research. Your paper will provide the much needed knowledge to know more about what marine ecosystems offer.

Any of the topics you choose, you can rest assured that they are unique, interesting, and very engaging, no matter the audience. They are also easy to write about, no matter your level.

Marine Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Environmental chemical analysis method optimization and application to northwest Cuban marine sediment , Thea R. Bartlett

Exploring the Impact of Eddies on Southern Ocean Biogeochemical Structure using BGC-Argo Float Observations , Nicola J. Guisewhite

Meta-Analysis of United States Seabird Populations Based on Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) Records (1965–2018) , Savannah Hartman

Stable Isotopic Investigation of the Hydrological Cycle of West-Central Florida , Toedsit Netratanawong

Examining paleoshorelines in the eastern Gulf of Mexico: Insights on sea level history and potential areas of interest for habitat management , Catalina Rubiano

Stable Isotope Analysis on Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna Eye Lenses Reveals Life History Patterns in the Gulf of Mexico , Kylee M. Rullo

Stable Isotope Analysis of Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii Eye Lenses to Determine Migratory Patterns in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Using Statoliths for Age Determination , Hannah M. Schwaiger

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

The effects of temperature and oxygen availability on aerobic performance in three coastal shark species; Squalus acanthias, Carcharhinus limbatus, and Carcharhinus leucas , Alyssa M. Andres

Continuous Effort Required to Maintain Populations of Outplanted Acropora cervicornis in the Florida Reef Tract, USA , Tiffany S. Boisvert

Elucidating the Sources Supplying Aerosol Iron, Zinc, and Cadmium to the Surface of the North Pacific Ocean with Stable Isotopes , Zach B. Bunnell

Quantifying Environmental Sensitivity of Marine Resources to Oil Well Blowouts in the Gulf of Mexico , Emily Chancellor

Zooplankton Biodiversity in the Northeast Gulf of Mexico and on the West Florida Shelf from 2005 - 2014 , Megan Ferguson

Coupling 210 Pb and 14 C to constrain carbon burial efficiency of blue carbon ecosystems , Tynisha R. Martin

Empirical and Modeled δ13C and δ15N Isoscapes in the Gulf of Mexico and their Application to Fish Eye Lens Migration Studies , Brianna Michaud

Interactions between juvenile estuary-dependent fishes and microalgal dynamics , Ian C. Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Metabolic Rate, Critical Oxygen Partial Pressure, and Oxygen Supply Capacity of Farfantepenaeus duorarum at their Lower Thermal Limit , Alexandra L. Burns

From River to Sea: Improving Carbon System Measurement Methods for use in Rivers, Estuaries, and Oceans , Ellie Hudson-Heck

Riverine and Estuarine CO2-System Studies on the West Coast of Florida , Christopher S. Moore

Past Ice-Ocean Interactions on the Sabrina Coast shelf, East Antarctica: Deglacial to Recent Paleoenvironmental Insights from Marine Sediments , Kara J. Vadman

Investigating the Recent History of a Changing Planet with Innovative Isotopic Techniques and New Geologic Archives , Ryan A. Venturelli

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Testing the Efficacy of Recompression Tools to Reduce the Discard Mortality of Reef Fishes in the Gulf of Mexico , Oscar E. Ayala

Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Organochlorine Pesticides, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Snapper (Family Lutjanidae) from Cuba and the Wider Gulf of Mexico , Brigid E. Carr

A Health Evaluation of Gulf of Mexico Golden Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) and Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill , Kristina Leigh Deak

A Process-based Approach to Evaluating the Role of Organic Ligands in Trace Metal Cycling in the Marine Environment , Travis Mellett

Investigation of Retention Versus Export of Planktonic Fish Eggs in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico , Bich Vi Viviane Nguyen

Development of a Benthic Foraminifera Based Marine Biotic Index (Foram-AMBI) for the Gulf of Mexico: a Decision Support Tool , Bryan O'Malley

Plio-Pleistocene Antarctic Ice-Ocean Interactions in the Ross Sea , Catherine Prunella

Mechanisms of Carbon Movement and Stabilization in Mangrove Wetlands , Carey Schafer

Hepatobiliary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Pelagic Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico , Madison R. Schwaab

Analytical Methods and Critical Analyses Supporting Thermodynamically Consistent Characterizations of the Marine CO 2 System , Jonathan D. Sharp

Large Thecosome Pteropods of the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Species Abundance, Spatial and Vertical Distribution With a Temporal Comparison of Shell Thickness , Sarah M. Shedler

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure, Hepatic Accumulation, and Associated Health Impacts in Gulf of Mexico Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) , Susan M. Snyder

Investigating the Isotope Signatures of Dissolved Iron in the Southern Atlantic Ocean , Brent A. Summers

Modeling Early Life: Ontogenetic Growth and Behavior Affect Population Connectivity in Gulf of Mexico Marine Fish , Kelly Vasbinder

Isotope-Based Methods for Evaluating Fish Trophic Geographies , Julie L. Vecchio

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Use of Spectrofluorometry to Detect Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Marine Environment , Mary Iris Abercrombie

Can Florida's Springs Coast provide a Potential Refuge for Calcifying Organisms? Evidence from Benthic Foraminifera , Kyle E. Amergian

Iron-Virus Interactions: Development and Testing of the Ferrojan Horse Hypothesis , Chelsea Bonnain

DNA Barcoding of Fish Eggs in the Gulf of Mexico , Makenzie Burrows

Ecological Responses of Seascape Heterogeneity , Dinorah H. Chacin

Species Abundance, Spatial and Vertical Distributionsof Large Heteropods (Pterotracheidae and Carinariidae)in the Northern Gulf of Mexico , Kristine A. Clark

Zooplankton Community Structure in the NE Gulf of Mexico: Impacts of Environmental Variability and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill , Kate M. Dubickas

Life History Through the Eyes of a Hogfish: Evidence of Trophic Growth and Differential Juvenile Habitat Use , Meaghan E. Faletti

Population Demographics of Golden Tilefish Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps in the Gulf of Mexico , Greta J. Helmueller

Regeneration of Trace Metals During Phytoplankton Decay: An Experimental Study , Adrienne P. Hollister

Estimating Coastal Water Turbidity Using VIIRS Nighttime Measurement , Chih-Wei Huang

Untapped Potential of Gorgonian Octocorals for Detecting Environmental Change in Biscayne National Park, Florida, USA , Selena A. Kupfner Johnson

High-Resolution Investigation of Event Driven Sedimentation: Response and Evolution of the Deepwater Horizon Blowout in the Sedimentary System , Rebekka A. Larson

Variations of Sedimentary Biogenic silica in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon and IXTOC-I Oil Spill. , Jong Jin Lee

Variations of Global Ocean Salinity from Multiple Gridded Argo Products , Chao Liu

Fish Communities on Natural and Artificial Reefs in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico , Elizabeth C. Viau

Reconstructing Geographic and Trophic Histories of Fish Using Bulk and Compound-Specific Stable Isotopes from Eye Lenses , Amy A. Wallace

Studies of the Long-term Change of Global Mean and Regional Sea Surface Height , Yingli Zhu

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Ecophysiology of Oxygen Supply in Cephalopods , Matthew A. Birk

Remote Estimation of Surface Water p CO 2 in the Gulf of Mexico , Shuangling Chen

Spatial Dynamics and Productivity of a Gulf of Mexico Commercial Reef Fish Fishery Following Large Scale Disturbance and Management Change , Marcy Lynn Cockrell

Quantifying the Probability of Lethal Injury to Florida Manatees Given Characteristics of Collision Events. , B. Lynn Combs

Diversity of ssDNA Phages Related to the Family Microviridae within the Ciona robusta Gut , Alexandria Creasy

Use of a Towed Camera System along the west Florida shelf: A Case Study of the Florida Middle Grounds Benthic Marine Communities , Katie S. Davis

Using Ecosystem-Based Modeling to Describe an Oil Spill and Assess the Long-Term Effects , Lindsey N. Dornberger

Extending Spectrophotometric pHT Measurements in Coastal and Estuarine Environments , Nora Katherine Douglas

Evaluating the use of larval connectivity information in fisheries models and management in the Gulf of Mexico , Michael Drexler

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding Predator-Prey Relationships in a Changing Ocean: From System Design to Education , Ileana M. Freytes-Ortiz

Application of Image Recognition Technology to Foraminiferal Assemblage Analyses , Christian Helmut Gfatter

Evaluation of trace-metal and isotopic records as techniques for tracking lifetime movement patterns in fishes , Jennifer E. Granneman

The Stability of Sand Waves in a Tidally-Influenced Shipping Channel, Tampa Bay, Florida , John Willis Gray

Application of Modern Foraminiferal Assemblages to Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction: Case Studies from Coastal and Shelf Environments , Christian Haller

Integrating Towed Underwater Video with Multibeam Acoustics for Mapping Benthic Habitat and Assessing Reef Fish Communities on the West Florida Shelf , Alexander Ross Ilich

Evaluating Beach Water Quality and Dengue Fever Risk Factors by Satellite Remote Sensing and Artificial Neural Networks , Abdiel Elias Laureano-Rosario

Microbial Associations of Four Species of Algal Symbiont-Bearing Foraminifera from the Florida Reef Tract, USA , Makenna May Martin

Environmental controls on the geochemistry of Globorotalia truncatulinoides in the Gulf of Mexico: Implications for paleoceanographic reconstructions , Caitlin Elizabeth Reynolds

Dormancy in the Amphistegina gibbosa Holobiont: Ecological and Evolutionary Implications for the Foraminifera , Benjamin J. Ross

Optical Remote Sensing of Oil Spills in the Gulf of Mexico , Shaojie Sun

Spatial and Temporal Distributions of Pelagic Sargassum in the Intra-Americas Sea and Atlantic Ocean , Mengqiu Wang

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Packaging of Genetic Material by Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs) Produced by Marine Roseobacter Species and Their Effect on Stimulating Bacterial Growth , Shahd Bader Aljandal

Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Soil Composition and Accumulation Rates in Mangrove Wetlands , Joshua L. Breithaupt

Characterizing Benthic Habitats Using Multibeam Sonar and Towed Underwater Video in Two Marine Protected Areas on the West Florida Shelf, USA , Jennifer L. Brizzolara

Latitudinal Position and Trends of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and its Relationship with Upwelling in the Southern Caribbean Sea and Global Climate Indices , Kaitlyn E. Colna

Calibration-free Spectrophotometric Measurements of Carbonate Saturation States in Seawater , Erin E. Cuyler

Viruses in marine animals: Discovery, detection, and characterizarion , Elizabeth Fahsbender

Quantity Trumps Quality: Bayesian Statistical Accumulation Modeling Guides Radiocarbon Measurements to Construct a Chronology in Real-time , Devon Robert Firesinger

Characterizing Gross Lesions in Corals on Fringing Reefs of Taiwan and Hainan Island, China , Adrienne George

Reef Fish Biodiversity in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary , Megan E. Hepner

Investigating Marine Resources in the Gulf of Mexico at Multiple Spatial and Temporal Scales of Inquiry , Joshua Paul Kilborn

Southern Ocean Transport by Combining Satellite Altimetry and Temperature/Salinity Profile Data , Michael Kosempa

Role of viruses within metaorganisms: Ciona intestinalis as a model system , Brittany A. Leigh

Evaluating satellite and supercomputing technologies for improved coastal ecosystem assessments , Matthew James Mccarthy

Stable Isotopes in the Eye Lenses of Doryteuthis plei: Exploring Natal Origins and Migratory Patterns in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico , Brenna A. Meath

Genetic Identification and Population Characteristics of Deep-Sea Cephalopod Species in the Gulf of Mexico and Northwestern Atlantic Ocean , Amanda Sosnowski

Investigation of Sediment Ridges Using Bathymetry and Backscatter near Clearwater, Florida , Lewis Stewart

Resolving chronological and temperature constraints on Antarctic deglacial evolution through improved dating methodology , Cristina Subt

Subtropical benthos vary with reef type, depth, and grazing intensity , Kara R. Wall

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Diversity and Distribution of Diatom Endosymbionts in Amphistegina spp. (Foraminifera) Based on Molecular and Morphological Techniques , Kwasi H. Barnes

Abundance of Archaias angulatus on the West Florida Coast Indicates the Influence of Carbonate Alkalinity over Salinity , Sean Thomas Beckwith

Resource Use Overlap in a Native Grouper and Invasive Lionfish , Joseph Schmidt Curtis

Miocene Contourite Deposition (along-slope) near DeSoto Canyon, Gulf of Mexico: A Product of an Enhanced Paleo-Loop Current , Shane Christopher Dunn

Trophic Ecology and Habitat Use of Atlantic Tarpon ( Megalops atlanticus ) , Benjamin Neal Kurth

Characterization of Bacterial Diversity in Cold-Water Anthothelidae Corals , Stephanie Nichole Lawler

Whiting Events Off Southwest Florida: Remote Sensing and Field Observations , Jacqueline Long

Pollutants and Foraminiferal Assemblages in Torrecillas Lagoon: An Environmental Micropaleontology Approach , Michael Martinez-Colon

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Science » 80 Marine Science Research Topics

80 Marine Science Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInIf you are a student seeking compelling research topics in Marine Science, you have come to the right place. Embarking on the academic voyage of research, selecting suitable topics is the foundational pillar for any aspiring marine scientist. As students venture into marine science, choosing research topics becomes paramount for an undergraduate thesis, a master’s […]

If you are a student seeking compelling research topics in Marine Science, you have come to the right place. Embarking on the academic voyage of research, selecting suitable topics is the foundational pillar for any aspiring marine scientist. As students venture into marine science, choosing research topics becomes paramount for an undergraduate thesis, a master’s dissertation, or a doctoral endeavor. This pivotal decision not only shapes the course of one’s academic journey but also contributes to advancing our understanding of the vast and enigmatic world that is our oceans. The selection of research topics in marine science is akin to navigating a vast sea of possibilities, each wave offering unique prospects for exploration, discovery, and contribution to the ever-evolving tapestry of nautical knowledge.

Marine Science, often called Oceanography, Aquatic Sciences, or Oceanology, is a multidisciplinary field encompassing the study of marine organisms, ecosystems, geology, chemistry, and physics within our oceans and coastal areas.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Marine Science:

Assessing the role of remote sensing technologies in monitoring marine ecosystems during travel restrictions.
Evaluating the potential of using seaweed farming for carbon sequestration and biofuel production.
Investigating the ecological and genetic factors influencing the recovery of commercially exploited fish stocks.
Investigating the restoration potential of UK coastal habitats and their contribution to carbon sequestration.
Analyzing changes in shipping patterns and their influence on marine pollution during and after COVID-19.
Investigating the influence of lockdown measures on noise pollution in marine environments.
Evaluating the role of marine bacteria in bioremediation and the breakdown of oil spills.
Investigating the interactions between climate change, ocean acidification, and the physiology of marine invertebrates.
Evaluating the potential of using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for monitoring and managing marine protected areas.
Examining invasive lionfish’s ecological and economic consequences in Caribbean coral reef ecosystems.
Assessing the impacts of ocean circulation on the distribution of microplastics in the Arctic Ocean.
An examination of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable aquaculture practices.
Analyzing the impact of pandemic-induced economic changes on sustainable fisheries management.
Investigating the role of marine bacteria in producing and cycling greenhouse gases in coastal sediments.
Analyzing the relationship between ocean circulation patterns and the distribution of marine plastics in the world’s oceans.
Investigating the nutritional ecology of filter-feeding marine organisms and their role in nutrient cycling.
Assessing the ecological and socio-economic implications of ghost fishing gear in marine environments.
Examining the behavioral responses of marine mammals to anthropogenic noise pollution.
Investigating the effects of oceanographic conditions on the distribution and abundance of marine plankton.
Exploring the biogeochemical cycling of mercury in marine ecosystems and its implications for human health.
Assessing the impacts of marine heatwaves on coral reef health and biodiversity.
Examining the role of marine fungi in the decomposition of hollow wood and its influence on deep-sea ecosystems.
A retrospective analysis of historical trends in marine science research and their implications for future study areas.
Investigating the effects of coastal urbanization on seagrass meadows and their ecosystem services.
Studying the effects of reduced tourism on marine protected areas during and after COVID-19.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on UK marine research and conservation efforts.
An overview of the role of marine protected areas in conserving vulnerable and endangered species.
A review of the ecological consequences of marine invasive species and management strategies.
Investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Evaluating the effectiveness of marine spatial planning in mitigating conflicts between renewable energy development and marine conservation.
Exploring the synergies between marine biology and computational modeling for oceanographic research.
Assessing the effectiveness of marine spatial planning in reducing conflicts among multiple ocean resource users.
Analyzing the impact of Brexit on UK fisheries management and international cooperation.
A comprehensive review of recent advancements in marine genomics and their applications.
Analyzing traditional fishing practices’ cultural and economic significance in indigenous coastal communities.
Analyzing the behavioral ecology of apex predators like sharks and their influence on marine ecosystems.
Evaluating the ecological and economic benefits of restoring salt marshes in coastal ecosystems.
Evaluating the potential of using satellite remote sensing for monitoring and managing harmful algal blooms.
Assessing the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving charismatic megafauna, such as whales and dolphins.
Assessing the impacts of ocean warming on the distribution and behavior of commercially valuable fish species.
Examining the socio-economic factors influencing adopting sustainable fishing practices among small-scale fisheries in developing countries.
Analyzing the impacts of marine pollution on the health and behavior of marine mammals in heavily trafficked coastal regions.
Analyzing the role of marine microbes in biogeochemical cycling and carbon sequestration in coastal ecosystems.
Analyzing the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of deep-sea corals in the Atlantic Ocean.
Assessing the resilience of coastal communities to pandemic-related disruptions in marine resource management.
Investigating the role of citizen science initiatives in monitoring UK coastal ecosystems.
Exploring the psychological well-being of marine scientists and conservationists post-COVID-19.
Examining the effects of underwater cultural heritage sites on marine ecosystems and tourism.
Analyzing the effectiveness of seagrass restoration projects in enhancing coastal resilience to storms and erosion.
Evaluating the potential of underwater drones for studying the behavior and ecology of elusive deep-sea species.
Examining the impacts of underwater light pollution on the behavior and orientation of marine species.
Investigating the role of marine fungi in decomposing marine debris on the ocean floor.
Assessing the effectiveness of ecosystem-based management approaches in mitigating the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems.
Investigating the microbial diversity and biogeochemical processes in methane seeps on the ocean floor.
Assessing the effectiveness of UK policies and regulations in reducing marine plastic pollution.
Evaluating the impacts of climate change on the reproductive success of sea turtles in different nesting habitats.
Examining the role of online education in advancing marine science during and after COVID-19.
Examining the effects of ocean acidification on the sensory perception and behavior of marine organisms.
A comparative review of approaches to coral reef restoration and their long-term success.
Assessing the potential of using 3D printing technology to restore damaged coral reefs.
Legal implications and regulatory frameworks at the intersection of marine science and military operations .
Analyzing the effectiveness of marine conservation education programs in raising public awareness and support.
Analyzing the impacts of ocean warming on the distribution and behavior of pelagic fish species.
A systematic analysis of emerging technologies for monitoring and managing marine pollution.
Assessing the effectiveness of UK marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
Analyzing the genetic diversity of deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities and its implications for ecosystem resilience.
Investigating the role of marine biodiversity in enhancing the resilience of coral reefs to bleaching events.
Assessing the ecological and economic benefits of restoring oyster reefs in estuarine environments.
Studying the effects of climate change on the distribution of UK marine species.
Examining the impact of plastic pollution on the health and survival of marine birds in coastal ecosystems.
Examining the impacts of underwater noise pollution on marine life, from whales to smaller organisms.
Assessing the impacts of microplastics on the health and behavior of filter-feeding marine organisms.
Investigating the impact of climate change on the migratory patterns of marine species in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Analyzing the socio-economic implications of marine tourism in the UK.
Exploring the potential of algae-based biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry.
Assessing the role of microplastics in altering the behavior and physiology of marine organisms in tropical coral reef ecosystems.
Analyzing the influence of marine biodiversity on the stability and productivity of kelp forest ecosystems.
Investigating the ecological consequences of ocean deoxygenation on marine food webs and fisheries.
Investigating the role of marine fungi in the degradation of plastic waste in marine environments.
Examining the cultural significance of marine heritage sites in the United Kingdom.

In conclusion, the domain of Marine Science offers an expansive canvas for academic exploration across various educational tiers. From the undergraduate level, where burgeoning marine enthusiasts can delve into topics like marine biodiversity and coastal conservation, to the master’s level, featuring research on ocean acidification and marine ecosystem dynamics, and finally, the doctoral realm delving into cutting-edge research on deep-sea exploration and marine biotechnology. The ocean’s mysteries await scholarly minds, beckoning individuals to immerse themselves in the depths of marine science and contribute to the global understanding of our planet’s vital marine ecosystems. So, chart your course wisely, and let the waves of discovery propel you toward a rewarding and impactful academic journey in marine science.

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Five ocean research topics to inspire your next paper [guide for students]

Beth Dempsey

Senior Manager, Content Marketing, Academia

Writing a great research paper is easier when you have a timely and focused topic. Our latest Global Research Report on ocean health by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)™ identifies compelling insights that can be explored for your next research paper. Keep reading for ocean research topics and keywords that branch across many different disciplines—from business to economics to the hard sciences.

According to data scientists at Clarivate™ and Oregon State University, ocean science research articles have increased threefold between 2000 and 2020, demonstrating a marked interest in ocean health.

You can use the insights from Ocean Science: sustainability concerns add urgency for research to identify focused, relevant and compelling ocean research topics for your next paper.

Why write about ocean health?

You will write a better paper if you care about the topic. If you need a little help getting on board with the importance of the planet’s oceans, read this passage from the introduction of our latest ISI Global Research Report :

Earth’s oceans cover approximately 70% of its surface and ultimately reach a depth of ~11 km in the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. (Mt. Everest, for comparison, reaches a height of “only” ~9 km.) Most of the life on Earth is in its oceans, whether it is the fish that provide sustenance to coastal communities, or the plant life that supplies much of the air that we breathe (at least 50% of photosynthesis happens in the ocean). The oceans also mediate how Earth’s climate changes, for example, by exchanging immense amounts of thermal energy and gasses, such as carbon dioxide and oxygen, with the atmosphere, or through the impact that ocean conditions have on the fate of polar ice (this ice reflects many of the sun’s warming rays back to space and provides essential habitats).

You can also read our blog about how the research was conducted and its results .

Here are five ocean research topics and keywords for you to explore

Learn more about any of the following topics by using the suggested keywords in your literature search.

The impact of microplastics on ocean health

According to our ISI report, there is an “astonishing growth” of research on microplastics and oceans, providing a rich array of content for you to explore for a paper on the impact of microplastics on ocean health.

Keywords to search as you gather information: Microplastics; Nanoplastics; “Plastic debris”; “Marine litter”

Energy resources and plant life

Research growth is happening in other areas, too. What has researchers so interested in these two ocean research topics?

Gas Hydrates: They reside in some marine sediments. Pro: Their carbon content makes them a valuable energy resource. Con: decomposition can release greenhouse gases

Keywords to use in your search: Hydrate Formation; Methane Hydrate; Hydrate Stability

Seagrasses: These are flowering plants that grow entirely underwater and contribute to the ocean ecosystem.

Keywords to use in your search: food webs; herbivory; marine phanerogams; Biofouling; Marine macroalgae; Seagrasses

Ocean health’s impact on island nations

Ocean research is globally connected and includes significant collaboration with island nations and territories. Possible topic for your paper: “Ocean health’s impact on island nations.”

Keywords to use in your search: Ocean health; Socio-ecological assessment; “island nations”; Ocean Health Index (OHI); ocean, countries

Best practices for sustaining the Blue Economy

Sustainability of the “Blue Economy” is dependent upon finding balance between mitigating climate change and maintaining jobs and other essential components of this growing economy. Possible topic for your paper: “Best practices for sustaining the Blue Economy.”

Keywords to use in your search: “blue economy”; ocean economy; coastal blue growth

Next steps for your ocean health topic

Once you have your topic and are sufficiently inspired, check out “How to write research papers that impress your professors.” This blog breaks down the tricky aspects of writing a research paper. It explains where to start, where to look and top tips for a fast yet robust research process.

Get more ideas for research papers by exploring ISI’s Global Research Reports and Insights papers , which include a variety of important, timely topics like climate change , ethnic diversity in STEM and the research performance of the G20 nations . You can also find more tips and techniques for producing great research papers by checking out Clarivate’s Research Smarter series . Our series includes blogs about using reference management software , finding relevant papers in a research field and how to get noticed by journal editors .

Unlocking u.k. research excellence: key insights from the research professional news live summit.

For better insights, assess research performance at the department level

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Fisheries Biology

Graduate Student Research Topics

Current students.

Jason Shaffer Thesis: Comparing environmental DNA and snorkel surveys to determine the spatial distribution of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the Smith River Basin, California Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Alex Juan Thesis: Evaluating the Use of a Trojan Y Chromosome Strategy to Eradicate Invasive Sacramento Pikeminnow in the Eel River to Aid Recovery of Threatened Salmonids Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Claire Stuart Thesis: Monitoring and evaluating rocky-reef marine protected areas in Northern California Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Gavin B. Bandy Thesis: A Technique to Calibrate eDNA Surveys for Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Dylan J. Keel Thesis: Quantification of the variability of Ceratonova shasta DNA concentrations in Klamath River water samples Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Noah Angell Thesis: Describing Population Status of Redtail Surfperch and Silver Surfperch in Sandy Beach Surf Zones in Northern California Including Marine Protected Areas Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Sarah Moreau Thesis: Graduate Student Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Z Zenobia Thesis: Status of Spirinchus starksi (Night Smelt) in Northern California in 2021 Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Lily Olmo Thesis: Using fish to study the trophic food chain of artificial wetlands in the Arcata Marsh, CA Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Jacqueline Bridegum Thesis: Advisor:

Summer 2022

Cory Dick Thesis: Comparing molecular methods to estimate fish stomach contents and gastric evacuation rates: Implications for measuring the impacts of predation on Central Valley Chinook salmon Advisor:

Spring 2022

Katie Terhaar Thesis: Sandy Beach Surf zone Fish Communities and Marine Protected Areas in Northern California Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Leon Davis Thesis: Assessing abundance, presence, and length, and marine protected area effectiveness for three key rocky reef species along the Northern California Coast Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Max Grezlik Thesis: Evaluating the effects of Atlantic Menhaden management and environmental change on the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Ecosystem Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Doyle J. Coyne Thesis: Comparison of standard and environmental DNA methods for estimating Chinook salmon smolt abundance in the Klamath River, California Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Christopher O'Keefe Thesis: Do beaver dam analogues act as passage barriers to juvenile coho salmon and juvenile steelhead trout? Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Roxanne Robertson Thesis: Resolving variability in size structure in an individual-based model for the North Pacific krill, Euphausia pacifica Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Blair M. Winnacott Thesis: Response of coastal ichthyoplankton assemblages off northern California to seasonal oceanographic and climate variability Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Nick Van Vleet Thesis: Effects of large wood restoration on coho salmon in a northern California watershed: a before-after-control-impact experiment Advisor:

Natalie Okun Thesis: Effects of large wood restoration on coho salmon in a northern California watershed: a before-after-control-impact experiment Advisor:

Nissa Kreidler Thesis: Species distribution models for three deep-sea coral and sponge taxa in the southern California Bight Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Steven R. Fong Thesis: Spatial and temporal genetic structure of winter-run steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) returning to the Mad River, California Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Max Ramos Thesis: Recolonization potential for coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in tributaries to the Klamath River after dam removal Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Madison Halloran Thesis: Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) dispersal and life history variations among Humboldt Bay watersheds Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Nissa Kreidler Thesis: Species distribution models for three deep-sea coral and sponge taxa in the Southern California Bight Advisor:

Emerson Kanawi Thesis: Comparing environmental DNA and traditional monitoring approaches to assess the abundance of outmigrating coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in California coastal streams Advisor:

Chad M. Martel Thesis: Using environmental DNA and occupancy modeling to estimate rangewide metapopulation dynamics of the endangered tidewater goby eucyclogobius spp. Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Grace Ghrist Thesis: Freshwater and marine survival of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as a function of juvenile life history Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Laura Solinger Thesis: Spatial variability in recruitment of Chilipepper rockfish (sebastes goodei) in the California current system Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Chris Loomis Thesis: Density and distribution of piscivorous fishes in the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta Advisor:

John Deibner-Hanson Thesis: Overwinter survival and movement of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in relation to large woody debris and low-velocity habitat in Northern California streams Advisor:

Hannah Coe Thesis: Effects of longline oyster aquaculture on benthic invertebrate communities in Humboldt Bay, California Advisor:

Emily Chen Thesis: Contribution of juvenile estuarine residency in a bar-built estuary to recruitment of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Advisor:

Keith Parker Thesis: Evidence for the genetic basis and inheritance of ocean and river-maturing ecotypes of Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) in the Klamath River, California. Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Michael Sutter Thesis: Rangewide tidewater goby occupancy survey using environmental DNA Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Kevin Hinterman Thesis: Baseline monitoring and characterization of rocky intertidal fish communities in Northern California Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Cori Flannery Thesis: The effects of ocean acidification and reduced oxygen on the behavior and physiology of juvenile rockfish Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Gabriel Scheer Thesis: A population model for coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Freshwater Creek: Evaluating the effects of life history variation and habitat restoration Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Justin Alvarez Thesis: Abundance, growth and predation by non-native brown trout in the Trinity River, CA Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Ryann Whitemore Thesis: Evaluation of parameter estimation and field application of transgenerational genetic mark-recapture Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Molly Gorman Thesis: Juvenile survival and adult return as a function of freshwater rearing life history for Coho Salmon in the Klamath River basin Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Michelle Krall Thesis: The influence of habitat characteristics on abundance and growth of juvenile Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in constructed habitats in the middle Klamath River basin Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Conrad Newell Thesis: Development of captive culture methods for the endangered tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Molly Schmelzle Thesis: Monitoring endangered tidewater goby using environmental DNA in water samples Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Sean Cochran Thesis: Marine survival of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from small coastal watersheds in Northern California Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Jesse Wiesenfeld Thesis: Riverscape genetics identifies cryptic lineages of speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) in the Klamath-Trinity basin Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Christine Roddam Thesis: Residency, growth, and outmigration size of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), across rearing locations in the Shasta River, California Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Shari Witmore Thesis: Seasonal growth retention and movement of juvenile coho salmon in natural and constructed habitats of the mid-Klamath River Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Kathryn Crane Thesis: Environmental effects on growth of early life history stages of rockfishes (Sebastes) off Central California based on analysis of otolith growth patterns. Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Jennifer Hauer Thesis: Overwinter survival and growth of juvenile coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, in Freshwater, California Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Michael Hellmair Thesis: Life history variation, genetic diversity and extinction risk in the endangered tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Melissa Reneski Thesis: Temporal genetic analyses reveal divergence of hatchery steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) via drift Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

James Hearsey Thesis: Reproductive traits of sympatric spring and fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and their hybrids Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Program Overview

Fisheries Biology 1 Harpst St. Arcata, CA 95521 Phone: (707) 826-3953 [email protected]

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Marine Biology Dissertation Ideas: 18 Problems You Can Write About

When it comes to Marine biology, the students need to come up with term dissertation papers on various topics. These theses take the time to complete as they require the student to do a lot of research as well as a lot of homework. One tip which is very useful for marine biology students, in particular, is that they should not wait until the end of the term to start with this homework.

Topics can be freelance ones, or the instructor gives out dissertation topics to the students. The students should then immediately start their research on the homework given. They should be able to collect enough and more freelance material on it. This material may not be easily available. Hence, the student should start this collection and gathering process as soon as he or she receives the essay topic or is asked to write a dissertation on a topic of his or her choice.

Here are some essay topics which will help marine biology students.

The white whale population. How this can be increased and what efforts can be taken or are taken by international organizations
How marine animals are made extinct or are impacted by asteroids
What are the practices to manage blooms of artificial plankton
The effect of nitrogen cycles and carbon on the fish population
How is global warming impacting the population of sea fish
The state of marine commercial fishing
How extinction can be prevented of endangered species
How do oil spills impact marine wildlife
Is there a reason to worry with regards zooplankton and Res tides
White whale hunting – what are the possible outcomes
When is seafood dangerous for consumption
Overfishing which is in the Atlantic Ocean and what are the possible solutions to it
Should fish hunting be allowed and in what conditions
How can fish farming be developed in the country
How is the alteration in the weather conditions changing the growth of the fish population
How are the current temperatures impacting fish grounds
What are the threats to the marine ecosystem
How can soft muddy creatures at the bottom be preserved?

These are just some of the problems which are faced in marine life and which are relevant topics to write a thesis or essay upon.

Marine Biology Dissertations

Hannah Aichelman Exploring Coral Symbiosis Under Climate Change Stress Across Spatial and Temporal Scales Advisor: Davies
Robin Francis The Effects of Variation in Habitat Quality on Reproduction and Dispersal of Two Model Systems For Coral Reef Fish Metapopulation Ecology Advisors: Buston
Brian Kennedy Investigating Patterns of Deep Sea Coral and Sponge Diversity and Abundance Across Multiple Spatial Scales in the Central Pacific Advisors: Rotjan
Nicola Kriefall Environmental Drivers of Structure, Resilience, and Resistance in Coral Holobionts Advisor: Davies
John Okechi An ecosystem-based approach to balancing cage aquaculture, capture fisheries, and biodiversity conservation in Lake Victoria, Kenya Advisors: Kaufman
Rebecca Branconi The Role of Ecological and Social Constraints in Social Evolution of Coral Reef Fishes Advisor: Buston
Karina Scavo The Importance of Mangroves as Coral Habitat in A Deteriorating Ocean – An Ecological, Demographic, and Genomic Research Program on Model Mangrove Corals in The Genus Porites Advisors: Finnerty
Tina Barbasch How Do Parents Respond to Changing Ecological and Social Environments: Insights from a Coral Reef Fish with Biparental Care Advisor: Buston
Kathryn Lesneski Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Differences Between Colonies of Staghorn Coral Inhabiting Disparate Microenvironments – Implications for Coral Restoration Advisors: Kaufman & Finnerty
Nicholas Ray Oyster Regulation of Biogeochemical Cycling in Temperate Estuaries Advisor: Fulweiler
David Minkoff Mechanisms and Timing of Olfactory and Magnetic Imprinting and Homing in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar) Advisor: Atema
Benjamin Carr Analysis of the Western and Central Pacific Tuna and Billfish Fisheries Through Examination of Historical Catch Records Advisor: Kaufman
John Majoris An Integrative Investigation of Larval Behavior Using a Coral Reef Fish Advisor: Buston
Timothy Maguire Anthropogenic Perturbations to the Biogeochemical Cycle of Silicon Advisor: Fulweiler
Elizabeth Burmester Insights Into Coral Recovery Based on Symbiont State and Environmental Conditions in the Temperate, Facultatively Symbiotic Coral Astrangia Poculata Advisor: Finnerty
Cassidy D’Aloia Patterns, Causes, and Consequences of Connectivity within a Coral Reef Fish Metapopulation Advisor: Buston
Nathan Rycroft Identifying Population Structure and Local Adaptation in the American Lobster Using Behavioral, Morphometric, and Genetic Techniques Advisor: Atema
Valentina Di Santo Ecophysiological responses of fishes to increased ocean acidification and warming Advisor: Lobel
Kathryn Kovitvongsa Mosharo The role of acoustic signals in fish courtship and challenges in bioacoustic fish research Advisor: Lobel
Briana K. Brown Small-scale community structure and trophic ecology of groundfishes in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary under two anthropogenic disturbance regimes Advisor: Kaufman
Nikki Georgina Traylor-Knowles Molecular insights into the stress response of cnidarians with a focus on wound healing in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis and the coral Pocillopora damicornis Advisor: Finnerty
Elizabeth Jones Sbrocco A seascape genetics approach to exploring the phylogeographic response of marine fishes to late Quaternary climate change Advisor: Barber
Burton V. Shank Effectiveness of marine managed areas of central and southern Belize: Spatial variations in major community processes and the implications for local management success Advisor: Kaufman
Christopher T. Frenz Voltage-gated sodium channel isoform expression in the mouse main olfactory epithelium: A neuronal role for the cardiac isoform, Nav1.5 Advisor: Dionne

Marine Biology

Research interests and recent publications.

I am a marine ecologist with broad interests in trophic ecology, functional morphology, soft-bottom benthic ecology, and some evolutionary aspects of marine ecological processes. I also work in the field of macroevolution, with the most recent work being engaged in timing the radiation of the animal phyla by means of molecular divergence estimates. My students have worked a wide range of marine biological problems.

Current and Recent Research:

Climate change, latitude, and thermal ecology of fiddler crabs..

Fiddler crabs have planktotrophic larvae and in many cases these larvae are adapted to ride the tide, feed on the contintental shelf. As a result many species have very long coastal geographic distributions. For example, the eastern North American fiddler Leptuca pugilator is found from Cape Cod (latitude 41.75°N ) to the panhandle of Florida (latitude 30.0 °N). Our research and the work of others demonstrate that males must display and feed for days near burrow openings with severe thermal and hydric stress. But what are the consequences of living over such broad stretches of latitude? With climate change will populations at the low-latitude end of their range suffer severe enough thermal stress that low-latitude populations might become extinct? Is there strong selection along the latitudinal gradient, such that low-latitude populations are better adapted to warm stressful habitats and high-latitude populations are better adapted to lower temperatures? A team from Stony Brook (Jeff Levinton and students), University of Southern Mississippi (M. Zachary Darnell and students), and the University of Wisconsin (Warren Porter and Paul Matthewson) are combining field studies, thermal modeling, climate modeling, and laboratory investigations of function under thermal and hydric stress, funded by NSF.

A central part of this study involves collection of weather data (temperature, humidity, wind speed) at the scale and microsite location of fiddler crabs. We have been installing weather stations that are exactly where the crabs live and we are collecting weather data just above and within the sediment.

Weather station at Flax Pond, New York – See Warren Porter explain the design and function of a weather station on the scale of a fiddler crab.

New results just published, superior performance of a trailing edge low-latitude population of an intertidal marine invertebrate. published in journal of experimental marine biology and ecology.

Summary of Results:

The objective of this study was to compare ecologically relevant measures of performance over a broad range of latitudes of a species subjected to climate change. Do populations change in relative function over a wide range of latitude? Are populations at the low latitude trailing edge in danger of extinction in the onset of thermal stress? Coastal marine species with planktonic larvae can range over an enormous span of latitude and thermal environments. The fiddler crab Leptuca pugilator extends from high-latitude (41.75°N) winter-frozen Massachusetts tidal flats in the north to subtropical low latitude flats in Florida (24.55°N), where they may be active at the surface over most of the year. We characterized the air environment for males at three sites (New York – latitude 40.0°N, Beaufort, North Carolina – latitude 34.7°N, Panacea Florida, latitude 30.0 °N) over the geographic-thermal range, and found major differences in temperature, wind speed, humidity, and vapor pressure deficit. Florida L. pugilator males preferred warmer sand than North Carolina and New York crabs. Local adaptation to latitude-dependent thermal conditions might suggest tradeoffs in performance as a function of temperature. We examined measures of predator escape performance (running speed and righting speed) and overall condition reflecting endurance rivalry success (endurance on a treadmill and major claw closing force) over a wide range of test temperatures. Predator escape rates increase steadily with increasing temperature, but endurance rivalry measures show an intermediate temperature peak of performance. We tested the hypothesis of tradeoffs, with expected local superiority of performance according to regional thermal differences. But instead, the trailing edge Florida males were superior to the higher latitude populations, over a broad range of temperature, but especially at higher temperatures, for all four types of performance measures. The trailing edge population of L. pugilator , in thermal terms, is therefore likely not vulnerable to near future further effects of warming in terms of performance measures related to male reproductive and feeding activities and escape from predators. Fiddler crabs appear to display niche conservatism for stronger performance at tropical temperatures. Such a natural tropical superiority in performance might have to be accommodated in future conceptions of response of marine species to climate change with broad latitudinal distributions in the tropics.

We collected Leptuca pugilator from three sites spread over the thermal-latitudinal range.

Collecting Sites: Stony Brook NY, Beaufort NC, Panacea FL

In figures below, red = Florida, green = North Carolina, blue = New York.

We were able to characterize the thermal-hydric environment at the three sites, using Niche-Mapper.com (thanks to our colleagues Paul Matthewson and Warren Porter from the University of Wisconsin.

As might be expected, the Florida locality was warmest, with a broad part of the year suitable for activity. Our observations and those of others show that males can be active feeding at the surface in December in Florida, but such activity ceases in NY by early October. Reproductive activity in NY ceases in late August. One interesting surprise is the high humidity of the intermediate locality in North Carolina.

The performance data, is based on four traits: Sprint speed and righting speed are traits that we believe reflect escape potential from predators such as birds and small mammals. Major claw closing force and endurance on a treadmill are traits that may reflect endurance rivalry fitness for males that are displaying, feeding and involved in combat near breeding burrows. The figure below shows that the Florida individuals (red) have longer enduraance and higher major claw closing force over a wide range of temperatures. The same superiority holds for Florida individuals for sprint speed. All results are highly significant (see details of analysis in paper). Righting speed also is greater for FL males, but the the differences from males in other localities is smaller. Overall, our results support the conclusion that the population at the trailing edge appears to be superior in performance at higher temperatures, and warming from climate change is unlikely to be a cause of population extinction in the near future. It may be that a basic adaptation to tropical conditions confers a superiority to lower latitude individuals. We also found that FL individuals preferred higher sediment temperatures than NC and NY crabs, when acclimated and placed in a thermal gradient.

Thermal performance: Upper left: time to fatigue on a treadmill; Upper right: closing force of the major claw; Lower Left: sprint speed; Lower right: righting time. FL = red, NC = green, NY = blue.

Behavior, biomechanics, evolution of fiddler crabs.

The overall objective of this study is to link the origin of an evolutionary innovation, namely the giant major claw of fiddler crabs, to reproductive function, behavioral evolution and biogeography of a widespread group. The fiddlers are pantropical and the major claw is nearly half the weight of the animal. It is used by males in threat display and combat. We are investigating the following questions: (1) Does the claw function as mainly display, or does its biomechanical features reflect a fully functioning closing structure? (2) Is sexual selection a cause of variability in this structure, much as the process works to increase variability of other structures and colors controlled by sexual selection? (3) Did behavioral complexity increase in this group, or did other factors allow the evolution of complex reproductive behavior? (3) Did this group arise in the IndoPacific as previously believed? Our work combines field studies of behavior, morphometrics, molecular phylogenetic tools, and biomechanics to answer these questions.

Recent research has focused on the functional morphology of the sexually selected major claw, which is nearly half the mass of a male fiddler crab. The claw is used in display and combat. Our previous work demonstrated that the major claw is fully functional and that variation of closing force with body size can be predicted successfully from simple measurements of claw dimensions, related to a simple lever system. However, there is a paradoxical result: As body size increases the closing force of the smaller feeding claw increases with the square of any linear measurement, as expected from a proportional increase to muscle cross-sectional area. But the closing force of the major claw proportionally decreases with increasing body size, mainly because the mechanical advantage decreases. Thus a fighting male is weaker than it would otherwise be if it maintained the same claw mechanical proportions of smaller crabs. I have been working on explaining this paradox – why be weaker than you were going to be? Is the claw used more for display? Is some other function being served? Thus far, we have concluded that there is a tradeoff between strength and closing speed and have tested this successfully. Thus larger crabs may require speed of clasping more than strength. This fits in with observations of combat and the usual lack of severe damage that one male might inflict upon another. I believe that this general result applies to many beetles bearing pincers as well. The race is to the swift, not necessarily to the strong.

Measurement of Uca claw closing speed, using high-speed video

We are also working on measuring the costs encumbered by having such a large structure as the major claw. In males of Uca pugilator and other species, this size is so large that the walking limbs beneath the cheliped are more robust than the legs beneath the much smaller feeding claw. Do males pay a price by carrying this large structure? Do they escape more poorly from predators? Do they have high metabolic loads, since this claw as a high proportion of the total striated muscle of the whole crab? We have been investigating the cost by measurements of metabolic rate, subjecting crabs to stress on a treadmill, and measuring running speeds of males in the field, as compared with males not bearing the large major claw.

A final functional emphasis is on the thermal component of fiddler crab performance. Fiddler crabs are an excellent model for the study of thermal stress on a mobile species in the intertidal zone and climate change may have strong impacts on behavior, mating strategies and survival. We have found that male size is related to vulnerability to thermal stress and this may contribute to larger-male mating success. We are investigating tradeoffs between sexual display and physiological stress. This study is embedded in a current National Science Foundation research grant devoted to latitudinal thermal adaptations of Leptuca pugilator, in collaboration with Zachary Darnell (University of Southern Mississippi) and Warren Porter (University of Wisconsin).

A recent study examined heartbeat in fiddler crabs in air and water. In water heartbeat increased from 20-40C and then declined to zero at 50C. But in air, heartbeat reached a peak at ca 35C but then had a very shallow decline, suggesting that increased temperature had less effect on heart output. This may be due to the fact that there is more aerobic scope in air at higher temperature than in water. See this publication:

Levinton, J., N. Volkenborn, S. Gurr, K. Correal, S. Villacres, R. Seabra, F. P. Lima, 2020. Temperature-related heart rate in water and air and a comparison to other temperature-related measures of performance in the fiddler crab Leptuca pugilator (Bosc 18020. Journal of Thermal Biology 88 (2020) 10252 Here are other past publications:

Levinton, J.S. 2016. Bilateral linkage of monomorphic and dimorphic limb sizes in fiddler crabs. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 119:370-380. Levinton, J., Lord, S., Higeshide. 2015. Are crabs stressed for water on a hot sand flat? Water loss and field water state of two species of intertidal fiddler crabs. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 469: 57-62. Allen, B.J., and J.S. Levinton. 2014. Sexual selection and the physiological consequences of habitat choice by a fiddler crab. Oecologia 176:25-34. DOI 10.1007/s00442-014-3002-y

Allen, B., Levinton, J.S. in preparation. Three measures of cost of a sexually selected combat structure.

Levinton, J.S. in preparation. Positive correlations rather than a tradeoff between mass of a sexually selected structure and a developmentally related feeding structure. in preparation

Physiological Performance, and Potential for Restoration of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginia .

Tappanzee Bridge, which crosses Haverstraw Bay

The overall objective of our work is to produce a physiological map of growth, survival, susceptibility to disease, and recruitment of oysters in the New York region. Oysters were once very abundant but are now rare, owing to overexploitation and pollution. We are focusing on areas thought to be useful for restoration to take advantage of the oysters useful ecosystem services, including enhancement of fish and invertebrate biodiversity and local reduction of phytoplankton density. We have chosen nine sites with strongly varying water quality, salinity to develop a map of performance. This will be combined with the development of a strategy for deploying artificial oyster reefs that produce a sustainable metapopulation of oysters in a restricted region, such as Jamaica Bay, New York and Haverstraw Bay, in the Lower Hudson estuary. This work is being done in collaboration with Michael Doall, Director, Functional Ecology Research and Teaching Laboratory, Stony Brook University.

Publications and Reports

Sebastiano, D., Levinton, J ., Doall, M., Kamath, S. 2015. Using a shellfish harvest strategy to extract high nitrogen inputs in coastal bays: Practical and economic implications. Journal of Shellfish Research , 34: 573-583.

Oyster bag, before placement in Wire Cage, Haverstraw Bay, Hudson River

Levinton, J., Doall, M., Allam, B. 2013. Growth and mortality patterns of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virgin

ca in impacted waters in coastal waters in New York, USA. Journal of Shellfish Research. 32: 417-427.

Levinton J, Doall M, Ralston D, Starke A, Allam B, 2011 Climate Change, Precipitation and Impacts on an Estuarine Refuge from Disease. PLoS ONE 6(4): e18849. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018849

Hear Jeff Levinton and Mark Kurlansky on the Brian Lehrer Show, WNYC

Hear Jeff Levinton and Ken Paynter on the Leonard Lopate Show, WNYC, March 25, 2010

Evolution of resistance to metals and restoration ecology.

Sampling at Foundry Cove, Hudson River

We have discovered rapid evolution of resistance to cadmium in an aquatic oligochaete and have shown that the trait is strongly heritable and probably controlled by one gene. The evolution of resistance in this system was under strong selection and likely occurred in less than five generations. In the lab we were able to accomplish 2/3 of the resistance observed in the field over three generations of selection. We are now attempting to understand the molecular basis of the resistance and also are studying the reversion of resistance as the cove is being cleaned up in a Superfund project. We are also actively investigating the impacts of a major Superfund cleanup that occurred at Foundry Cove, Hudson River, in 1994-1995. We observed a reversion of the resistance to background levels in onlhy nine years following the cleanup (Levinton et al. 2003). We also observed strong reorganization in the benthic community following the cleanup (Kelaher et al. 2003). We are now working further on the question of cost of evolution of the resistance trait. As a side project we analyzed mercury concentrations, using a large data base of fish analyses in the Hudson River USA. We found a 30 year decline in concentrations by a factor of 2-3, but a persistent increase of Hg concentrations toward the north. We speculated that the source might be the Adirondack watershed.

Klerks, P., Levinton, J. 1992. Evolution of resistance and changes in community composition in metal-polluted environments: A case study on Foundry Cove.In Dallinger, R., Rainbow, P. (eds.), Ecotoxicology of Metals in Invertebrates. Lewis Publ., Chelsea, pp. 223-241.

Biodynamics of Particle Selection by Suspension Feeders.

With Evan Ward and Sandy Shumway, I am working on the mechanisms of bivalve feeding, using flow cytometry, surgical telescopes, and videotaping to study the ability of bivalves to sort particles and adjust feeding rates in response to variations in particle concentration and complex particle arrays. The questions involve whether given parts of the feeding apparatus comprise a rate-limiting step to feeding, and whether bivalves can use selectivity to sort among complex arrays of non-living and living particles in environments such as estuaries. We hope to do a comparative study among different bivalve groups but are concentrating on a few oyster, scallop, mussel, arcid spp. as well as Zebra mussels.

Recent results have combined video endoscopy with flow cytometry to sample in different parts of the pallial cavity. We have discovered extensive particle selectivity on the gills of oysters and zebra mussels. In oysters, rapid shunting allows particles of poor nutritive quality to be rejected and nutritious particles to be diverted towards the mouth. A video of these results can be found here. In the case of zebra mussels, the selectivity has been related to a change in phytoplankton species dominance, following the invasion by zebra mussels of the Hudson River. We have also recently shown that oysters and mussels can detect the presence of polyphenolics in kelp detrital particles. Evan Ward’s summary of particle transport in the mussel Mytilus edulis can be found here.

Mytilus gill, ventral margin, photo by Evan Ward.

Our most recent work has focused on the possibility that bivalves may be able to capture and consume much larger and more active food particles than previously appreciated. A number of studies have suggested that bivalves can feed upon zooplankton particularly smaller forms such as ciliates. We have demonstrated that zebra mussels and two species of marine mussels can clear rotifers from the water column and can assimilate carbon at levels high enough to be meaningful to bivalve nutrition. We have suggested that there is a benthic-zooplankton loop that might strongly implicate dense populations of benthic suspension feeders in control of near shore water column communities. Instead of competing with zooplankton for microphytoplanktonic food, they may be top-down predators on the whole system.

The capture of zooplankton by bivalves has been demonstrated in a number of field studies, but the most intriguing evidence comes from invasions of the Asiatic clam and the Zebra mussel, both of which were followed in some water bodies by precipitous declines of micro and mesozooplankton. In the lab we demonstrated that zebra mussels can capture, ingest, and assimilate rotifers of lengths as large as ca. 300 micrometers. Using 14C labeled rotifers, we found high efficiencies (Wong et alo. 2003a, b). We also found a positive synergistic interaction resulting in high shell growth ot the mussel Mytilus edulis , when fed combined rotifers and phytoplankton, as opposed to either alone (Wong and Levinton 2004). Our most recent work in collaboration with Jeannette Yen, Brock Woodson and Marc Weissberg of Georgia Tech demonstrates very different capture success of copepods by mussels in still and moving water. These results will be presented at ASLO in 2005. Some preliminary movies and images can be viewed here .

Wong, W.H., 2006. The trophic linkage between zooplankton and benthic suspension feeders: Evidence from fecal pellets. Marine Biology 148: 799-805.

Wong, W. H., Levinton, J.S. 2005. Consumption rates of two rotifer species by zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha . Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology. 38: 149-157.

Wong, W. H., Levinton, J. S. 2004. Culture of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis (Linnaeus, 1758) fed both phytoplankton and zooplankton: A microcosm experiment. Aquaculture Research , 35:965-969.

Wong, W.H., Levinton, J. S., Twining, B. S., Fisher, N. S. Kelaher, B. P., Alt, A. K. 2003. Assimilation of carbon from a rotifer by the mussels, Mytilus edulis and Perna viridis : A potential food web link between zooplankton and benthic suspension feeders. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 253: 175-182.

Levinton, J.S., J. E. Ward, R. Thompson. 1996. Biodynamics of particle processing in bivalve molluscs: models, data, and future directions. Invertebrate Biology 115: 232-242.

Levinton, J.S. 1991. Variable feeding behavior in three species of Macoma (Bivalvia: Tellinacea) as a response to water flow and sediment transport. Marine Biology 110:375-383.

Testing the Cambrian Explosion Hypothesis.

With Gregory Wray, and Leo Shapiro, I have used molecular distance – fossil divergence data to estimate the time of divergence of the animal phyla. Our results, based on analyses of large number of taxa for 7 genes, suggests that the animal phyla (protostome-deuterostome split) diverged far before the Cambrian. We are now using simulations to test whether one can recover a “tree of life” when divergences occur at varying times before the present and over different periods of time. Initial results suggest that the extreme version of the Early Cambrian explosion could never be detected. Our analyses of real molecular sequences, however, do allow us to define the order of appearance of major groups. This suggests that the radiation of animals took place over a more protracted period.

Recent Interview about the Cambrian Explosion by AIBS

Levinton, J. S. 2001. Genetics, Paleontology and Macroevolution . 2nd ed. New York, Cambridge Univ. Press.

Levinton, J.S. 1992. The big bang of animal evolution. Scientific American , November issue, pp. 84-91.

Trophic limitation and population dynamics of deposit feeding invertebrates.

For many years I have been working on food limitation of deposit feeders. The overall objective is to study functional aspected of feeding and to connect these studies to population regulation of field populations and communities. This work began with models and studies of food limitation of deposit feeders that fed on a renewable resource, namely sediment associated microbes and algae. In more recent years I have focused on the dynamics of particulate organic matter supply and population responses.

Recently we have been working on an asexual oligochaete that undergoes a boom and bust cycle every summer, that appears to be related to the appearance and decline of a food base. We have shown (Cheng et al. 1993) that organic matter steadily declines in nutritional quality thorughout the spring and populations finally decline in the early summer. this is a general theme in intertidal mud flats dominated by surface and near surface-feeding deposit feeding annelids. We have recently discovered a behavioral-reproductive switch that appears when food is limited. This is a form that fails to bud and becomes a large active swimmer and is apparently a migratory individual. We are now doing spatial modeling to understand the implications of such an emigratory form.

Placing experimental cages in a mud flat at Flax Pond salt marsh

We have completed recently a field assay of emigration, using a device to estimate the proportion of Paranais litoralis that depart from the sediment. As found in the past, sediment-dwelling P. litoralis showed a strong peak in the spring, followed by a precipitous decline. The relative number of “swimmers” increased at or after the seasonal peak abundance of worms as predicted from previous laboratory discoveries. They are probably the first to demonstrate an ecological context, in terms of resources, for swimming from the sediment by soft-bottom benthos. We also have quantified for the first time, simultaneously, emigration and immigration (Junkins et al. 2006).

Our most recent efforts have also been directed toward extending laboratory experiments on food inputs to field situations. We completed a spatial sampling program that demonstrates that seasonal boom-bust cycles of annelids in Long Island salt marsh mud flats are spatially variable in time course, leading to strong spatial-temporal variation of cycles of surface feeding deposit feeders, such as the oligochaete Paranais litoralis and the polychaete Streblospio benedicti . Field manipulation experiments demonstrate that the system of surface feeders is food limited and that the mobile snail Ilyanassa obsoleta exerts negative effects on populations of deposit feeding annelids. Field experiments demonstrate that I. obsoleta populations move to local inputs of particulate organic detritus inputs, which in turn, tends to reduce population growth of surface deposit feeders. Thus, overall, there appears to be competition between the bottom-up input of food, which is spatially localized, and the top-down effect of the mobile consumer, Ilyanassa obsoleta .

Cheng,I-J., J.S. Levinton, M. McCartney, D. Martinez, and M.J. Weissburg. 1993. A bioassay approach to seasonal variation in the nutritional value of sediment. Marine Ecology Progress Series , 94: 275-285.

Levinton, J.S., McCartney, M.M. 1991. The use of photosynthetic pigments as tracers of sources and fates of macrophyte organic matter in a sand flat. Marine Ecology – Progress Series , 78:87-96.

Thesis topics of most recent PhD students who have gotten their degrees in areas discussed above.

1. Daniel Martinez – study of senescence and life history in invertebrates, in relation to presence and absence of sexual reproduction. Now Prof., Pomona College 2. Mike McCartney – study of male reproductive effort and its importance in varying hermaphroditic strategies in a bryozoan. Now Resarch Professor at Univ. Minnesota 3. Sean Craig – study of the importance of fusion in the biology of bryozoans. Now Professor, Cal. State at Humboldt 4. Marc Weissburg – study of foraging biology and optimal foraging in fiddler crabs. Now Prof. at Georgia Tech University 5. Josepha Kurdziel – study of the factors that select for male dimorphism in the amphipod Jassa marmorata , now Asst. Prof. at U. of Michigan 6. Michael Rosenberg – study using geomorphometrics and other approaches to understand morphological variation, functional morphology and phylogeny of fiddler crabs. now Professor at Arizona State. 7. Bengt Allen – reproductive and physiological performance of the fiddler crab Uca pugilator , relating performace to thermal stress and food availability. now Assoc. Professor at California State University at Long Beach. 8. J. Matt Hoch – reproductive effort, fertilization success and morphological plasticity in acorn barnacles. now Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University. 9. Chris Noto (coadvisor with Dr. Catherine Forster) – taphonomy and its influence on our understanding of dinosaur preservation and diversity patterns, now assistant professor at University of Wisconsin, Parkside. 10. Patrick Lyons – The evolution of mutualism between alpheid shrimp and gobiid fishes, now Assistant Professor, Valley College, California. 11. Abigail Cahill (BS Colgate University), Climate change and larval ecology and population genetics of slipper shells. now Assistant Professor Albion College, Michigan

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Marine Biology Research Topics

Research Topics

oceanography
aquaculture

Marine biology is a combination of biology, chemistry, and physics that involves the study of marine animals and their behavior patterns. Marine biologists employ oceanography and essential abilities from Chemistry, Physics, and Geology to explore how they interact with the environment.

The Salish Sea Ecology and the Use of Corals in the Study of Tropical Abnormalities
The Challenges of Quantitative Ecology Seen Through a Modeling Lens
How Is Marine Animal Behavior Adaptable To A Specific Genetic Pool?
What Are The Physical Limitations That Affect Geological Oceanography?
The Smallest Diatoms and Their Marine Logistics
Tourism and the Ecology of Coral Reefs in 2022
The Use of Flexible Aquaculture in Marine Engineering
Development of Alternative Dolphin Feeds and Tracking Systems
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Current Coastal Zone Management in the United States?
The Biochemistry of the Red Sea in Comparison to the Azov Sea

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Marine Biology

College of the Environment
University of Washington

Core Research Areas

There are many ways to focus your studies or research in marine biology, and it can be difficult to know where to start. The University of Washington has faculty with expertise in a diverse range of research areas related to marine biology. To help you explore these areas, we group many topics of interest into four ‘core research areas’. Click on a specific topic to find faculty who teach or research in the areas you’re interested in.

Many Marine Biologists research specific groups of organisms. How and why did they evolve? What is unique about this group of organisms? Many people have an early interest in sharks, whales and fish. Try exploring a group you aren’t as familiar with – lesser-known groups such as marine invertebrates or seaweeds may surprise you!

Marine Microbiology Salmon Sharks Fish Invertebrates Marine Mammals Seabirds

How do organisms in the marine environment move, get energy, or reproduce? How do they adapt to the stresses of their environment? How do they interact with each other? When we examine processes, we think about the physiology of an organism (i.e, how does it work?) as well as how that organism is similar to or different from other life in the ocean. This can advance our understanding of life in the sea, and may even have implications for human health or engineering.

Evolution & Adaptation Animal Behavior Genetics/Genomics

Habitats and Ecosystems

Marine life does not exist alone. It is part of a complex system of interactions with other organisms and the physical environment. Studying the ‘big picture’ through ecology or oceanography is a critical part of marine biology.

Salish Sea Ecology Tropical Ecology & Corals Oceanography Arctic Ecology Quantitative Ecology & Modeling

Changing Oceans

The oceans are constantly changing due to the natural cycles of tides or seasons to longer-term changes in global climate. Humans influence change in the oceans as societal and economic forces drive what we take out of the ocean and what we put in. Marine Biologists have an important voice in decisions about conservation and marine policy.

Image of the SSV Robert C. Seamans alongside Nikumaroro.

Science Communication Resource Management Climate & Global Change Conservation

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Marine biology'

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Ridruejo, Carlos Mateo. "Isla del Rey : a marine biology center." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/69353.

Klanjšček, Tin. "Dynamic energy budgets and bioaccumulation : a model for marine mammals and marine mammal populations." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/34623.

Shoji, Akiko. "Incubation strategy in marine birds." Thesis, University of Ottawa (Canada), 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/28466.

Jones, Angela M. "Aspects of the biology of some marine ascaridoid nematodes." Thesis, University of Stirling, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/1498.

Reyes, Nikolle Susanne. "Marine bacterial isolates utilize unique mercury resistance mechanisms." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/25416.

Foor, Brandon. "The biology and macroparasites of the sixgill sawshark Pliotrema warreni." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/25303.

Pujade, Laura. "Development of a biomarker panel for identifying stressed marine mammals." Scholarly Commons, 2019. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/3587.

Stringer, Geraldine A. "The edge observed : island landscape for a marine biology facility." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/78973.

Grange, Laura Joanne. "Reproductive success in Antarctic marine invertebrates." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2005. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/41355/.

Fullarton, J. Gregor. "Lipid biomarkers in marine symbiotic systems." Thesis, University of Stirling, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.384931.

Matich, Philip. "Environmental and Individual Factors Shaping the Habitat Use and Trophic Interactions of Juvenile Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in a Subtropical Estuary." FIU Digital Commons, 2014. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1236.

Bossart, Gregory D. "Immunocytes of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) : morphologic characterizations and correlations between healthy and disease states under free-ranging and captive conditions." FIU Digital Commons, 1995. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1772.

Dunphy-Daly, Meagan Mná. "Temporal variation in dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) habitat use and group size off Great Abaco Island, the Bahamas." FIU Digital Commons, 2008. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3101.

Cubillos-Ruiz, Andrés Fernando, Jessica Weidemier Thompson, Jamie William Becker, Sallie W. Chisholm, Yanxiang Shi, der Donk Wilfred A. Van, and Audrey Olshefsky. "Ecology and evolution of lanthipeptides in marine picocyanobacteria." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/101829.

Thompson, Luke Richard. "Auxiliary metabolic genes in viruses infecting marine cyanobacteria." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/57562.

Kruger, Lisa Maria. "Feeding biology of intertidal sea anemones in the south-western Cape." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/19423.

Miller, Robert J. "Ecological factors shaping subtidal rock wall communities in the Gulf of Maine." View this thesis online, 2005. http://libraries.maine.edu/gateway/oroauth.asp?file=orono/etheses/37803141.pdf.

Roel, Beatriz Adelaida. "Stock assessment of the Chokka Squid : Loligo vulgaris reynaudii." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/19576.

Harington, Amy. "Trace metal effects on phytoplankton in subpolar seas with special emphasis on coccolithophores." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/27354.

Nibam, Abi Henry. "Reproductive biology and diet of the St. Joseph (Callorhinchus capensis) in South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10791.

Chien, Diana M. "Fine-scale ecological dynamics of closely related marine microbes." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/105636.

Willey, Joanne M. "Characterization of swimming motility in a marine unicellular cyanobacterium." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/14611.

Kim, Jun-Woo. "Copper requirements of marine diatoms of the Thalassiosirales." Thesis, McGill University, 2012. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=106254.

Porter, Donovan Stuart. "Isolation and characterisation of antibiotic-producing marine actinomycetes." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8591.

Johnston, Olivia Ruth. "Distribution and biology of the marine invasive bivalve Theora lubrica (Semelidae)." Thesis, University of Canterbury. School of Biological Sciences, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/2453.

Carloni, Riccardo. "Electron paramagnetic resonance applications: from drug discovery to marine biology studies." Doctoral thesis, Urbino, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11576/2682203.

Wänstrand, Ingrid. "Pigment and Thiamine Dynamics in Marine Phytoplankton and Copepods." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Evolutionsbiologi, 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-4560.

Cunniff, Kevin M. "Phenology, sexual reproduction, and the factors affecting sexual reproduction of the marine angiosperm, Thalassia testudinum, in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS)." FIU Digital Commons, 2005. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2691.

Ilikchyan, Irina N. "Phosphonates Utilization in Marine and Freshwater Picocyanobacteria." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1229969527.

Chon, Suet-ling, and 莊雪玲. "Remote sensing applications in studying marine biological processes." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2004. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31255826.

Gray, Victoria A. "Physiological consequences of temperature stress on the marine snail, Lottia gigantea." California State University, Long Beach, 2013.

Salter, Lesley. "Effects of Barotrauma on Four Species of Pacific Rockfishes ( Sebastes spp. )." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2019. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2007.

Shuuluka, Diina. "Ecophysiological studies of three South African Ulva species from integrated seaweed." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10903.

Mead, Angela. "Climate and Bioinvasives drivers of change on South African Rocky shores?" Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11308.

Sankar, Kishan. "Life on a gradient : activity levels of the seastar Patiriella exigua in different abiotic conditions." Bachelor's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26051.

Innes, Sheona. "Tropical intertidal seaweed turf communities of Jesser Point, Sodwana Bay, South Africa." Bachelor's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26378.

Olivieri, Emilia T. "Phytoplankton growth and zooplankton grazing in the southern Benguela current." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 1985. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/22590.

Levy, Sarah Bernadette. "How reliable is morphological species delimitation in kelp? : a study of two closely related South African Ecklonia species." Bachelor's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12923.

Szeinfeld, Edy Sylvia Valdes. "Abundance and mortality of anchovy eggs caused by cannibalism and intraguild predation, and the potential effect on anchovy recruitment and clupeoid fluctuations." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26106.

Raw, Robert Nicolas Vause. "Population structure, site fidelity, and fine-scale habitat use of the broadnose sevengill shark, Notorynchus cepedianusat Pyramid rock, False Bay, South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11312.

Shannon, Lynne Jane. "Modelling the oceanographic transport of young Cape anchovy Engraulis capensis by advective processes off South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/21784.

Wright, Amy Grace. "Deep water parapagurid hermit crabs: their distribution, abundance, population structure and associations in the Southern Benguela." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/25650.

Pasnin, Charles Olivier Arvin. "A marine systematic conservation plan for Rodrigues Island, Western Indian Ocean." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11054.

Loosen, Kristina. "Predictors of white shark Carcharodon carcharias presence at two recreational beaches in a major metropole." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/27493.

Gersun, Leanne. "The abundance and diversity patterns of seaweed communities on natural and artificial substrata at Sodwana Bay, South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13051.

Winckler, Heidi. "The application of univariate and distributional analyses to assess the impacts of diamond mining on marine macrofauna off the Namibian Coast." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17969.

Plagányi, Éva Elizabeth. "A model of copepod population dynamics in the southern Benguela upwelling region." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/14969.

Baker, Shirley Marie. "Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) metamorphosis: Effects of low oxygen." W&M ScholarWorks, 1994. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1539616556.

Brylawski, Bryce J. "Cultural eutrophication and the clam Macoma balthica: Evidence for trophic disruption and effects on blue crabs." W&M ScholarWorks, 2009. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1539616585.

Robison, Clara L. "Impacts of Margalefidinium polykrikoides and Alexandrium monilatum on Oysters Cultured in Lower Chesapeake Bay." W&M ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1593092072.

Marine Biology

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Guide to Theses

Thesis in the UK refers normally to Doctoral/ PhD level research work, while a dissertation refers to Undergraduate/Postgraduate level original work of a shorter length. It is important to note that the US these terms are reversed and you normally hear PhD/ Doctoral work referred to as a dissertation, while work at a lower level is normally a dissertation.

Theses and dissertations are not peer-reviewed but a PhD Thesis or Dissertation will be a very high-level piece of in-depth work and would have passed after a difficult defense against a panel of academics. If you find a useful PhD thesis I would still recommend seeing if the author has published any articles from it, as this is normal in the sciences.

The links below will help you find theses and possibly dissertations too. Check the qualification of the work you find- even the best postgraduate work may not be rigorous enough and may require a discussion with a supervisor to decide whether it should be used or not.

If you don't have Open Access to an item, it may be worth placing an Inter Library Loan if you really need the thesis. Do bear in mind you will only be able to place these for items found via ETHoS as the British Library supply our Inter Library Loans.

Finding Theses

University of plymouth theses, accessing university of plymouth phd theses.

Electronic full text PhD theses and some masters dissertations are stored in PEARL and they can be searched and accessed via PRIMO: 1. Make your search in Primo selecting Plymouth University research repositories from the drop down menu.

2. The results list will contain details of both PhD theses and masters dissertations. To narrow down the results to just PhD theses or masters dissertation, use the Refine My Results options on the left of the screen

3. The Details tab provides the abstract and the View Online tab or the title will link to the full text.

Some theses can be subject to embargos on grounds of confidentiality or other ethical reasons

The British Library runs a service called EThOS , which enables individuals to register online at http://ethos.bl.uk and access UK PhD theses. EThOS currently provides details of more than 250,000 theses, many of which are available electronically and can be downloaded from EThOS including all Plymouth PhD theses.

Plymouth theses can also be accessed from PEARL (the university repository) via Primo along with a selection of Masters theses.

If you are a PhD student you can find out about depositing your thesis from our Library Research Support & Services library guide

Global Theses

You may discover theses referenced in scholarly work, but it is worth nothing that there are limits on discoverability due to lack of metadata and archiving in many regions or institutions. However, you may find the following links useful:

Proquest Digital Theses Open Find Open Access theses from international institutions. You should be able to access these via a link.

Open Access Theses and Dissertations Attempts to collate records for Open Access graduate Theses and Dissertations from around the world.

Last Updated: Apr 4, 2024 12:12 PM
URL: https://plymouth.libguides.com/marinebiology

104 Marine Life Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best marine life topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on marine life, ⭐ simple & easy marine life essay titles.

Ocean Currents: General Information There are generally two types of ocean currents depending on the water level where the movement of oceanic water takes place and they are the deep ocean currents and the surface ocean currents.
Ocean Pollution and the Fishing Industry In essence, the activities of over six billion people in the world are threatening the survival and quality of water found in the oceans, lakes and other inland water catchment areas. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
Marine Degradation and Solutions in the Pacific Region The second issue related to the degradation of marine resources in the Pacific region is the unsustainable use of marine resources, including destructive fishing, which leads to changes in the number and health of species.
The Problem of Ocean Pollution in Modern World Wastes such as toxic matter, plastics, and human wastes are some of the major sources of pollution in the ocean. Many people consume fish as food; when marine life is affected by toxic substance in […]
Sea Otters’ Life Cycle From Birth to Death However, after the species had almost become extinct and their protection began, the species began to recover and towards the close of the 20th century, conservation had given rise to tens of thousands of sea […]
High Seas Marine Protected Areas: Effective Legislation or Paper Parks This essay dwells on the definition and importance of MPAs, including the ones in the high sea. The goal of the alliance is to bolster international collaboration and exchange of knowledge.
Climate Change Impacts on Ocean Life The destruction of the ozone layer has led to the exposure of the earth to harmful radiation from the sun. The rising temperatures in the oceans hinder the upward flow of nutrients from the seabed […]
The Ocean Pollution Problem Overview Ocean pollution is the unfavorable upshot due to the entrance of chemicals and particulate substances into the ocean. The land is the key source of ocean pollution in the form of non-point water pollution.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 and Its Consequences The worst effects of the great wave were observed in Indonesia, where the death toll exceeded 160,000 people, and the overall damages almost reached $4.
Marine Life in United Arab Emirates This report analyses the marine life in the UAE, covering detailed information about the various species of animals found in the region and their adaptation to the unique environment.
The Impacts of Oil Spills on Marine Life The intensity of aquatic effects is influenced by the nature and extent of the spilt oil. Besides, the severity might be influenced by the sensitivity and ambient state of the pretentious marine and their surroundings […]
Life in the Bottom of the Ocean and Its Protection While we all strive hard to detect and analyze the essence of life and the impact it has on our lives, we need to understand that life in itself is a big mystery, the truth […]
Plastic Waste and Its Effects on Marine Life However, many people do not appreciate the importance of oceans to human and marine life. Another effect of microplastics on the marine community is that they lead to uneven distribution of organisms.
Marine Surveying, Inspection and Safety Practices The importance of these conventions and rules was to address the need to access different ports in different countries based on uniform rules and standards acceptable to destination ports or countries in addition to maintaining […]
Living Resources of the Ocean The most commendable among the benefits of marine life to human life are the fact that marine life can act as food and the fact that some oceanic organisms have medicinal value.
The Aral Sea’s Environmental Issues Prior to its destruction, the Sea was one of the biggest water bodies, rich in different species of flora and fauna; a case that is opposite today, as the sea is almost becoming extinct.
Marine Parks Concept Overview In terms of marine tourism, aquatic parks offer the best solution for tourists because they are cheaper than watching animals in the sea.
How the Ocean Current Affect Animals’ Life in the Sea Depending on the strength of the ocean current, sea animals along the path are flown along with the water, and the animals are moved to new regions that are sometimes thousands of kilometers away causing […]
Ocean Dumping Issue and Rhetorical Rationale Therefore, the goal of this paper is to prove that the poster in question manages to accomplish an impressive goal of subverting the audience’s expectation and encouraging them to shift from an ironic perception of […]
Marine Conservation and Coastal Development The committee should comprise of a balanced membership for holistic review of the coastal development projects. The lack of legislation related to marine conservation is also a major setback.
Dell’s Initiative to Recycle Ocean-Bound Plastics The innovation to use plastics from the ocean and areas where these materials had a high risk of moving to the water was presented to the company in 2015.
Ecology Issues: Creatures of the Deep Sea Discuss the negative changes that are occurring and the cause of these changes In the recent past, the temperature on the earth has been rising steadily due to the effect of global warming.
Deep Sea Volcanoes and their Effects Deep sea volcanoes are present under deep sea ridges of the ocean floor and the above research has been based on the amount of carbon dioxide that is present in depths of four kilometers on […]
Policy Change to Control Ocean Dumping Policies addressing the issue of ocean dumping and the need to curb it have been in place. Several factors fueled the change; for instance, change in the information concerning the effect of ocean dumping to […]
Ocean Sustainability and Human Economic Activity The world economy and the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people depend on the ocean. It is important to remember that the misuse of water resources and the effects of global climate change will […]
Marine Ecosystems in Oceanography Studies While oceanography students need to understand these aspects of ocean management, this paper focused on marine ecosystems, as a broad and useful topic in oceanography studies.
Marine Geology, Hydrology and Human Impact on Earth However, the implementation of the new technologies and practices in the process of investigation of the sea depths resulted in the appearance of the new meaning.
The Negatives of Fossil Fuel: Ocean Acidification and Human Health The adverse effects of burning oil are hard to overestimate. Unless specific and practical actions are taken to address the issues of global climate change and pollution issues and reduce reliance on oil, the future […]
Impacts of Climate Change on Ocean The development of phytoplankton is sensitive to the temperature of the ocean. Some marine life is leaving the ocean due to the rising water temperature.
Exploring Environmental Issues: Marine Ecotourism For marine ecotourism to succeed, it must thrive in a manner that accommodates the needs of both the current and future generations and safeguards the natural environment.
Autonomous Platforms in Marine Research One of the significant ideas that can increase the overall efficiency of the data collection process is the creation of networks of autonomous platforms.
The Sea Water Impact on the Human Cell Hence, consuming it causes a high amount of salt without the human cell, which leads to a steep concentration gradient within the cell, thereby causing water to be drawn out, which is detrimental to the […]
Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden The role of the ICZM in the control of environmental, transport, industrial, and other types of safety is high, and the example of the RSGA region proves this.
Mining and Ocean Use in Canada Cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper are among the metals deep seabed mining seeks to extract from the polymetallic nodules on the seafloor and seamounts.
Addressing Marine Debris: Causes, Effects, and Potential Solutions A major limitation that makes the eradication of the problem difficult is the fact that most of the debris contains microplastic.
Sea Foods in the Environment Protection Context Further, the purpose of the website is to give information that seeks to reward the efforts of people who protect and safeguard the ocean and seafood supplies such as lobsters.
How Deep Sea Discoveries Inspires Professional Creativity Limited technological access to the deep seas should inspire one to focus on the necessary technology to build the most efficient deep-sea robots.
Visiting San Francisco Bay as Marine Protected Area San Francisco Bay Bridge will become the central place for this trip because it is just in the center of this view.
Non-trophic Interaction in Marine Species An example of non-trophic relationships between marine species is decorator crabs and sponges. Decorator crabs and sponges’ relations are an example of mutually helpful non-trophic interaction mutualism.
The Rising of Sea Level and Melting Glaciers: Analysis of the Issues In modern realities, the rate of warming of the World’s Oceans has increased. Global warming provokes the melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica.
Habitat and Ocean Life Considerations of Bottlenose Dolphins The temperate and tropical oceans of the world are home to bottlenose dolphins. On the American continent, bottlenose dolphins can be seen along California’s southern beaches and the eastern seaboard from Massachusetts to Florida, and […]
The Ocean Dumping Problem: A Visual Argument There is, however, less awareness of deep-sea drilling and the impacts on the habitat and human life in the oceans and along the coasts.
Australia’s Endangered Diverse Marine Ecosystem Climate Change and population increase are becoming increasingly difficult to perceive distinctly, especially when the question is about the loss of a diverse marine environment.
Marine Environment Protection and Management in the Shipping Industry Therefore, criminal penalties system in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency should reinforce legislations to protect sea creatures and humans from oil pollution or wastes from ships.
Marine Creatures and Terrestrial Animals in “The Wild West: Gold Rush” In fact, Californian nature is rich in various animal species that live to survive and pass their genes to the offspring.
Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 342 Such flows reduce the temperature of the planet’s core, change the composition of the foundation bedrock, and impact microorganism dispersion in the subterranean ecosystem.
Ocean Circulation and Biogeography, Species Distribution, Invasive Species The concept of ocean circulation refers to the movements of water in the oceans and seas. Surface ocean currents carry water from the poles to the tropics, where it is heated, and, afterwards, this water […]
“History of Ocean Basins” by Hess From the article it is vivid that the coming into being of oceans is subject to discussion since the previous knowledge is doubtful, and the existing framework is confusing.
Plastic Ocean and Its Effect on the Ecosystem The purpose of this essay is to present science-based facts in support of the author’s words to convince the reader of the criticality of the ecological problem.
Marine Protected Areas: Impact on Kelp Forest Recovery and Urchin Reduction The research aims to study the effectiveness of MPA for kelp forest recovery and urchin reduction. The research aims to study the effectiveness of MPA for kelp forest recovery and urchin reduction.
Environmental Marine Ecosystems: Biological Invasions One of the biggest hypoxic zones in the US is in the Gulf of Mexico. The condition of water in the area caused the decline of the shrimp industry.
Effect of Sea Water and Corrosion on Concrete On the other hand, substantial tautness, for instance due to meandering will shatter the tiny firm pattern, ending up in fracturing and disjointing of the concrete.
Effects of Global Warming on Marine Life Global warming has adverse effects on the marine life. It has led to the extinction of some of the animals and living things and has been necessitated by human activities.
Deep-Sea Biology: The Search for a Sea Monster This case study is about the attempts of Clyde Roper to find the giant squid. This canyon is known to be very deep and runs towards the Kermadec Trench which is also documented to be […]
Bacterial Diseases of Marine Organisms The striped dolphin is a highly susceptible host of the bacteria and poses and the most potent reservoir and source of transmission of the infectious agent.
Ecotoxicology: Toxic Wastes in the Marmara Sea The importance and actuality of the paper can not be exaggerated, as the problem of toxic wastes is one of the most burning in Europe.
The Aral Sea Problems, Their Causes and Consequences To identify and analyze the problems of the lake, its basin, and the entire region To discuss the causes and consequences of the lake’s destruction To evaluate the solutions proposed for ameliorating the consequences The […]
How Climate Change Impacts Ocean Temperature and Marine Life The ocean’s surface consumes the excess heat from the air, which leads to significant issues in all of the planet’s ecosystems.
Intergovernmental Relations and Ocean Policy Change The administration of Ronald Reagan contributed to the Federal ocean policy in the 1980s. During this change, analysts believed the United States was making a shift from ocean protection of the 1970s to ocean management […]
Improving the Response to Marine Emergencies However, we still need to facilitate this process, for instance, by informing the National Fire Service about the implementation of this project and its results. These are the most objectives that have to be attained […]
A Benchmarking Biodiversity Survey of the Inter-Tidal Zone at Goat Island Bay, Leigh Marine Laboratory Within each quadrant, the common species were counted or, in the case of seaweed and moss, proliferation estimated as a percentage of the quadrant occupied.
Ocean Circulation in a Warming Climate These effects will enhance the development of reduced release of radio-carbon depleted carbon dioxide gas and thus the idea of the self-restoration mechanism of the earth to this global warming.
Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef To protect the Great Barrier Reef the administration has put in place several policies to protect this region. In this plan, A panel of scientists was to advise on the quality of waste.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion The warm seawater is carried into a chamber and is used to produce vapor that, in turn, is used to rotate a turbine.
Review of the Quaternary History of Reefs in the Red Sea With Reference to Past Sea-Level Changes Some of the changes have occurred on the very grandest of scales, such as the Merging and ensuing breaking up of huge supercontinents, or the decimation of the dinosaurs by extra-terrestrial impacts.reefs are not invulnerable […]
Radiocarbon C14 Dating in Marine Geology The radiocarbon technique can say to be one of the most important inventions of the 20th century, especially in the field of human science.
Marine Biology: Polar Oceans as an Eco System The water in and around the Antarctic continent is referred to as the Antarctic or Southern Ocean. The Atlantic Water is situated between the Arctic Surface Water and the Arctic Deep Water.
Marine Pollution: Management and International Legislation Marine environment refers to: the physical, chemical, geological and biological components, conditions and factors which interact and determine the productivity of, state, condition and quality of the marine ecosystem, the waters of the seas and […]
Marine Pollution: Sources, Types, Pathways, and Status By examining sources, types, pathways, and status of water contamination in the context of the World Ocean, it is clear that most marine pollution caused by human actions, especially the mismanagement of plastic debris.
Concerns of Ocean Ecosystem Pollution The range of adverse outcomes for ocean ecosystems can be discussed in volumes; however, the current discussion will focus on trash in the ocean waters, acidification, and the disruption of the marine life cycles.
Hudson River’s Ocean Floor Investigation Mapping the ocean floor of the Hudson River would enable the analysis of sediments and the bottom surface hardness as well as would provide data on bottom features and the depth of the river.
Port Philip Bay and Sea Levels in Australia’s Geological History As the scientist explains, the phenomenon of the port’s emergence in the dry environment can be attributed to the fact that considerable water shrinkage could be observed in the area roughly 1,000 years ago.
Geology: Port Phillip Bay and Sea Level Changes Specifically, the fossils of specific creatures, such as the shells of tertiary foraminifera, as well as the meanders of the river channels, which were located in the area, are bound to bolster the hypothesis suggested […]
Marine Algae Associated Bacteria as Antioxidants The antinociceptive activity analysis involved comparing the reaction time of mice treated with the extracts and the controls. The authors conclude that the isolation and characterization of the bioactive principles from the potent strains could […]
Ocean-Plate Tectonics and Geology Bathymetry of the ocean seafloor refers to the measurement of how deep the sea is in relation to the sea level.
“Manifest Destiny”: Westward Expansion to the Pacific Ocean The concept of Manifest Destiny elucidates the states of mind of many expansionist principle makers of the period who worked hard in an attempt to push America’s borders towards the west.
Impact of Sea Transport on the Aquatic Environment The shipping companies also have a serious impact on the maritime environment in terms of the wastes often released into the water.
Deep-Sea Currents and Upwelling Along Florida The thermohaline circulation influences the movement and population of the marine ecosystem and heat redistribution both in the sea and on the earth’s surface.
Climate Change Effects on Ocean Acidification The scientists realized that the crisis lasted for several millennia before the oceans could fully recover from the impacts of the drop in the pH level.
Marine Ecosystems, Human Dependence and Impact The growth of communities dependent on fishing is proportional to the destruction of marine ecosystems. The survival of the human race, and the survival of millions of species of wildlife is dependent on a healthy […]
The Northern Sea Route’ Safety Management The company discusses the opportunity to trade some of the vessels with the help of the NSR. The NSR is discussed as an attractive option to decrease the time spent in the voyage while comparing […]
Water Crisis, Oceans and Sea Turtles Issues In the case of Mexico, it appears that the past regimes have never put a lot of focus on the utilization of water resources.
National Marine Fishery Service Business Projects Within a fishery management context, the report primarily focuses on the provisions of the Magnuson-Steven Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act issues in 2006.
The Dead Sea Geochemical History Globally, the most saline location is found on the water surfaces and shores of the Dead Sea. On the other hand, the pattern of fluctuation in temperature and salinity in the Arctic Ocean is complex.
SOFAR Effects on the Marine Life The speed and energy of the sounds that are transmitted in the SOFAR channel are maintained without being altered because of the pressure, which increases with increase in depth.
Ocean Acidification Impact on the Sea Urchin Larval Growth Due to the carbon dioxide increase in the atmosphere, acidity in the oceans is increasing++ and a fast increase of change rate is experienced.
Deep Sea Mining: Salt Extraction This therefore shows how important the process of evaporation is in regard to extraction of salt from the sea. This therefore explains that sea water is a cheap source of salt in terms of time […]
Pacific Ocean: Essentials of Oceanography The ocean has about 25,000 islands which are in excess of the entire number islands in all the oceans across the world. The volume of water in the ocean is about 622 million km3.
Marine Pollution and the Anthropogenic Effects Upon It Marine pollution denotes the introduction of harmful materials or chemicals in our oceans which may disrupt the marine ecosystem, cause other harmful effects to marine life or change the chemical properties of the water.
Marine Biodiversity Conservation and Impure Public Goods The fact that the issue concerning the global marine biodiversity and the effects that impure public goods may possibly have on these rates can lead to the development of a range of externalities that should […]
El Niño’s Effects on Marine Life El Nino makes the winds of the east blow to the west and moves the layers of warm water in the Pacific Ocean.
Ocean Acidification: Marine Calcification Process This article correlates calcium with oceanography because the process of acidification, which causes the ocean’s pH to decrease because of excess carbon from the atmosphere, has impacts on calcifying organisms in the oceans.
Ocean Literacy and Exploration From the onset of “human-ocean interaction and exploration in the fifteenth century” and despite ocean being the largest feature of the earth, only 5% of the ocean is known.
Ocean and Atmosphere Circulation Oceanic and atmospheric circulation is the means by which heat is distributed on the surface of the Earth by large scale circulation of air.
The Role of Sea Power in International Trade The historical influence that the marines or the navy has had on international trade and the complications in comparing measures of sea power has been issues of discussion in the past.
The Global Ocean Conveyor Belt This ocean water phenomenon is a result of the temperature difference in the ocean waters between the warm, salty surface water, and the less salty cold water in the ocean depths.
Ocean Fisheries Sustainability Analysis It is necessary for fishing industries to use better fishing methods in the ocean to ensure that their activities do not endanger the ecological balance. Fish species do not get the chance to replenish and […]
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Reefs This essay addresses some of the disturbances which have been experienced in the coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary together with measures which have been implemented to salvage the ecosystem.
Plastic Ocean Pollution on Ocean Life in U.S. Ocean plastic pollution has had a great impact on a minimum of two hundred and sixty seven species across the world and these include forty three percent of all of the sea mammal species, eighty […]
Impact of the Toxic Substances on Marine Ecosystem The condition of hypoxia is created when algal biomass decompose leading to dissolution of oxygen in the water column. While, on the other hand, farming of Bluefin tuna leads to destruction of marine life as […]
Climate Shift Could Leave Some Marine Species Homeless This is very important as it helps put pressure on countries to reduce on carbon release, in order to conserve the environment and hence species at risk.
The Difficulties in Exploiting Sea Floor Massive Sulfide Deposits However, the difficulties involved in exploring the minerals have been the greatest obstacles to the full exploration of sea floor mineral deposits such as sulphide. The regulatory environment is the other issue of concern in […]
Global Warming Outcomes and Sea-Level Changes The outcome of global warming has been exhibited by the melting of ice and snows in areas such as the Antarctic which has changed the average sea level of the whole world because the ice […]
The Ocean’s Rarest Mammal Vaquita – An Endangered Species The vaquita looks like a curved stocky porpoise, and it is the smallest of all the porpoises in the world. This is a matter of concern and ought to be investigated if the survival of […]
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100 Best Biology Topics For Academic Writing

The importance of choosing interesting biology research topics comes down to the impact your assignments will make on your audience. In most cases, you will be writing with only one reader in mind – the instructor. And as this person likely sees hundreds of biology topics each school year you need to make sure you stand out as much as possible. Here are 100 biology topics for research that are sure to get your work noticed and improve your chances of earning a top grade. You can also check out our bioethics topics .

Biology Topics for High School

If you need some biology dissertation help and are looking for easy biology research topics for high school assignments, these ideas will meet most requirements without causing too much stress:

Can Ebola be used as a biological weapon?
How do biological genes affect depression?
Are genetically modified foods safe for humans?
Is human cloning a moral issue?
How does cloning affect health medicine?

Hot Topics in Biology

This is a list of the current “hot” topics in the field and will certainly capture your audience’s attention:

Why are abortion issues so controversial in the U.S.?
How has gene molecular biology shifted in the last decade?
Can enhanced antibodies help curb COVID-19 cases?
Is immortality a realistic goal for humans?
Why is abortion a bigger issue in the U.S. than in Europe?

Very Interesting Biology Topics

These current topics in developmental biology cover the most interesting ideas in this growing area of science:

Can people rely on their dreams when making recollections?
Does the Covid-19 pandemic affect medical funding?
What is the difference between cellular function and structure?
What is the difference between natural and planned selection?
In what ways did evolution theory chance biology science?

Biology Research Paper Topics

Biology research is an area of study that is constantly changing. New studies come up every year and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the following issues:

What are animals that don’t die of natural causes?
What is the origin of human cloning?
What are the basic principles of cloning in humans?
Is it possible for domestic wild animals?
Does human genetics cause obesity?

Current AP Biology Topics

AP tests have focused a lot on evolutionary biology research paper topics and this set of questions will help you prepare for the advanced placement test:

Medicinal marijuana as a means to aid pain?
How does rapid plan DNA change affect humans?
What is cell tissue engineering?
What are the most promising regenerative medicine treatments?
What is meant by therapeutic cloning?

Molecular Biology Topics

Need topics on molecular biology issues? These five topics represent the latest research on this subject:

Are humans naturally frugivores or omnivores?
What are the ethical issues surrounding cloning?
What are the biological reasons behind food intolerances?
How can hypertrophy be enhanced in the body?
What impact on the cellular level do sunburns have?

Biology IA Topics for 2010

The following good research topics for biology are excellent for students that do not have the time to conduct in-depth research:

Does following a paleo diet help athletes perform?
Does drinking more water prevent serious sunburns?
What are the three evolutionary branches?
How does sleep and wake cycles affect learning?
In what ways is the brain affected by music?

Biology Topics for Presentation

How is metabolism affected by physical exercise?
Describe the study of behavior in birds.
Are bees in veritable danger of becoming extinct?
What impact does deforestation have on the biosphere?
Is it possible for the brain to heal itself?

Biology Debate Topics

These topics in biology are perfect for anyone who wants to leave a lasting impression on the reader:

Do sports help improve humans’ biological makeup?
How is the translation of reprobation affected by cell biology?
Does the human body function when he or she is in a coma?
Define the levels of molecular biology.
How does cell manipulation affect the growth hormone?

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

This group of interesting biology topics for presentation deals with what we use to understand how humans act and react:

Is the DNA from amber a way to clone prehistoric animals?
What is the resistance capacity of the immune system?
How does a malfunction to the immune system increase risk?
How do allergic reactions cause asthma in some people?
What are the benefits of vaccination?

Biology Project Topics

These topic ideas can also make a great impression on your teacher, even though they are not controversial.

How does stress affect the human immune system?
How does cell structure affect resistance to antibodies?
How do human hormones affect depression levels?
What are the limitations of transplantation?
What are the biological insights on abortion?

Marine Biology Topics

These marine biology research topics are ideal for college-level students and up:

What are the biggest sea challenges to marine life?
How does economic stability affect sea life?
What sustainable acts can be attributed to marine science?
Ancient sea life presents a look toward modern life.
What impact does the study of marine development have in the field?

Biology Topics to Write About

These ideas cover a wide range of study areas perfect for a graduate course where students can introduce biology issues:

How is feminist ideology related to abortion and biology?
What are the different types of cloning in existence today?
Describe the history of cloning in the United States?
What do we know about organisms with modified DNA?
How effective is DNA-based cloning in the medical field?

Cell Biology Research Topics

These excellent human biology topics are ideal of long research projects in college or graduate school:

Are microbial factories the answers to a shortage of raw metals?
How does the U.S. affect international abortion opinions?
Describe the advancements of extra-cellular matrix biology study?
How does the study of cell biology aid in fighting Alzheimer’s?
What are the negative effects of using antibiotics?

Biology Paper Topics

These ideas focus on the changing ways that media has changed the way we handle global affairs in biology:

How does the study of antibodies help with the Covid-19 crisis?
In what ways does physical trauma affect cells in the body?
Can we use cell regeneration to build antibodies?
What is bio-diesel and how is it created?
What are the implications of coral reef biology?

Biology Research Topics for College Students

Looking for exciting cell biology topics? This collection is great for college students getting into this field of study:

What changes to medicine are possible with cloning?
Can restructuring DNA help fight the effects of aging?
How does a proper diet for pets affect their health?
How does miscarriage affect women’s health?
What are the best cancer treatments today?

Biology Topics List

This list of topics in biology caters to the college undergraduate community of students:

What are the ethical questions related to human cloning?
What are the implications of the second wave of Covid-19?
What is the best way to fight global pandemics?
What are the most effective ways of slowing the aging process?
How does regular exercise postpone aging in adults?

Controversial Biology Topics

Controversy can turn heads and these cool biology topics will attract your readers’ attention:

What are the biggest threats related to salmonella?
What is the study of laparotomy?
What impact does BMI have on injuries?
What is the link between environmental pollution and cancer rates?
How does cellular health affect mental health?

Biology Essay Topics

These five biology research topics are for graduate-level students, catering specifically to those in top programs around the country:

What evidence is there of a pandemic that can wipe out half of the world’s population?
What is the most effective way of fighting an endemic?
Is it possible to increase brainpower?
How can humans fight disease with altered DNA?
What impact does clean water have in preventing disease?

Choosing original and interesting topics is the key to writing a great biology thesis or research paper. We understand that this doesn’t always come easy to students – no matter what their educational level – so we’ve created this list to inspire ideas or to be used as-is. If you need fresh biology research topics you may want to contact our support staff for ideas catered towards your specific assignment needs.

Make PhD experience your own

Marine Ecology

Research at VIMS illuminates the physiology, anatomy, and behavior of marine organisms of all sizes—from microbes and plankton to squid and sea turtles— as well as the biogeochemical processes and food-web interactions that connect them. Research sheds light on benthic ecology, biodiversity, harmful algal blooms (HABs), invasive species, and jellyfish.

Advisory Service Reports

Virginia. Dept. of Health, Virginia. Dept. of Environmental Quality, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science. 2004. Harmful algal blooms and other organisms of concern in coastal waters. Virginia Department of Health, [Richmond, Va.].
Haas, L. W., and K. L. Webb. 1998. Resource limitation of phytoplankton in the Virginia Chesapeake Bay and tributaries using nutrient-addition bioassays. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA.
Sin, Y., R. L. Wetzel, and College of William and Mary. School of Marine Science. 1996. Patterns of phytoplankton abundance and nutrient concentration in the York River Estuary, Virginia: 1984-1994. College of William and Mary, School of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA.
Musick, J. A., S. A. Bellmund, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and United States. National Marine Fisheries Service. Northeast Region. 1987. Final contract report on the ecology of sea turtles in Virginia. The Institute, Gloucester Point, VA.
Jacobs, F., and G. C. Grant. 1978. Guidelines for zooplankton sampling in quantitative baseline and monitoring programs. for sale by the National Information Service, Corvallis, Or. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Environmental Research Laboratory ; Springfield, Va.
Feeley, J. B., and M. L. Wass. 1971. The distribution and ecology of the Gammaridea (Crustacea : Amphipoda) of the lower Chesapeake estuaries. Virginia Institute of Marine Science,
School of Marine Science, College of William and Mary., Gloucester Point, VA.

Five Most Recent Journal Articles

Stone, J.P. and D.K. Steinberg, 2018. Influence of top-down control in the plankton food web on vertical carbon flux: A case study in the Chesapeake Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 498 : p. 16-24. 10.1016/j.jembe.2017.10.008
Seitz, R.D., et al., 2018. Human Influence at the Coast: Upland and Shoreline Stressors Affect Coastal Macrofauna and Are Mediated by Salinity. Estuaries and Coasts, 41 : p. S114-S130. 10.1007/s12237-017-0347-6
Prosser, D.J., et al., 2018. Impacts of Coastal Land Use and Shoreline Armoring on Estuarine Ecosystems: an Introduction to a Special Issue. Estuaries and Coasts, 41 : p. S2-S18. 10.1007/s12237-017-0331-1
Lynch, P.D., et al., 2018. Abundance trends of highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean: accounting for water temperature profiles. Ices Journal of Marine Science, 75 (4): p. 1427-1438. 10.1093/icesjms/fsy008
Luellen, D.R., et al., 2018. Assessment of legacy and emerging contaminants in an introduced catfish and implications for the fishery. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25 (28): p. 28355-28366. 10.1007/s11356-018-2801-9
Lefcheck, J.S., et al., 2018. Long-term nutrient reductions lead to the unprecedented recovery of a temperate coastal region. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 115 (14): p. 3658-3662. 10.1073/pnas.1715798115

Read a full list of VIMS-authored journal articles related to marine life & processes.

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15+ Research Ideas in Marine Biology for High School Students

As an ambitious high school student interested in marine biology looking to better your chances of getting into a prestigious program, you may consider different options — from internships to summer schools — to improve your knowledge. If this sounds like you, then consider undertaking a research project! Marine ecosystems are intrinsically linked to climate change and healthy oceans, as food, water, and shelter sources, are necessary to sustain life.

Marine biology is a vast field with multiple avenues for research. Not to mention, undertaking an intensive research project helps build skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, and can go a long way in showcasing your demonstrated interest in a subject. Research experience will add value to your college application as it shows that you’re intellectually curious and have a great aptitude for learning.

Ambitious high school students selected for the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs work on a research area of their interest and receive 1-1 mentorship by top Ph.D. scholars .

Below are some marine biology research ideas for you to consider, some of which have been shared by our research mentors – we hope they inspire you!

Topic #1 - The Climate Crisis and its impact on marine biodiversity

Faced with climate change, our oceans are facing one of their most vulnerable moments in history. Understanding the intersection between climate change and marine biology is crucial to conserving and managing marine ecosystems. Global warming, ocean acidification, and deoxygenation — collectively known as the “deadly trio” — are making oceans increasingly inhospitable to life and inhibiting the functioning of marine ecosystems. As a researcher, you could conduct critical investigations within this field and suggest more sustainable practices to preserve the marine ecosystem. Depending on your research goals and how much time and resources you can commit, you could conduct either primary or secondary research.

Here are a few ideas you could choose from:

1. Investigate how rising temperatures are affecting the migratory patterns of fish within a designated zone. Research where these species go and how the composition of marine communities affects interactions between species.

2. How does ocean acidification — when oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the air — harm different kinds of marine species? What knock-on impact does acidification have on coastal communities that depend on the ocean for food and their livelihood?

3. Examine how corals are responding to climate change, how the change in oceanic temperatures affects their reef-building capabilities, and the knock-on effects.

4. Research changing ocean currents and circulation patterns and how they can impact the distribution of nutrients, affecting the productivity of marine ecosystems

5. Dive into the correlation and causation between extreme weather events and climate change. How does rising temperature affect the frequency and intensity of cyclones, hurricanes, and other natural disasters?

Some of these ideas were contributed by Lumiere Mentors from the University of San Diego, California.

Topic #2 - Coastal economies and the marine ecosystem

Coastal economics and communities have a complex interaction with marine biodiversity, and their actions have both economic and ecological outcomes on the ocean . Marine and human health are closely connected — seafood is an integral part of coastal communities’ diet and marine-based products provide them with livelihood. As a researcher, you could investigate creating healthy marine socio-economic systems for the future, and consider diving deeper into some of the following ideas:

6. Review the effectiveness of different nations’ coastal zone management policies and how well they balance economic vs. ecological needs. You could then compile your findings into a best practices list and suggest improvements to existing policies

7. Make a valuation of the economic services of a designated coastal region. This can include a valuation of fishing activities, tourism, ocean-sourced products, etc, and their contribution to the economy

8. Examine how marine conservation and tourism can go hand-in-hand. Suggest ways to ensure the sustainable development of coastal economies

9. Explore innovative practices in sustainable seafood production and their economic implications for coastal communities

10. Suggest adaptation strategies for coastal communities facing frequent extreme weather events. What steps can be taken to protect their homes and their livelihoods?

11. Study how marine pollution impacts coastal areas, marine biodiversity, and communities’ livelihoods

Topic #3 - Exploring marine genomics

Marine genomics provides critical clues to understanding how life evolved underwater and how marine animals contribute to the ecosystem and create new chemicals and materials. Life has evolved from the ocean, and marine genomics has been used to study the short - and long-term effects of pollution on sea animals, their evolution, and genetic commonalities between fish in a particular region, to name a few. As a marine genome researcher, you could extract meaningful data about the origin and evolution of species and how they may adapt to changing environments.

Here are a few research ideas related to marine genomics that you could consider:

12. Examine how environmental DNA is found in aquatic ecosystems. Here, you can learn about different molecular techniques and use them in marine or freshwater invasive species management.

13. Study how human activity (pollution, fishing, habitat destruction) has impacted marine genomes and how other anthropogenic factors have influenced adaptation and genetic diversity in marine organisms.

14. Study the genome of an endangered marine species to understand what genetic factors contribute to its vulnerability. Suggest and develop conservation strategies.

15. Examine aquatic species that survive in extreme climates (deep-sea vents, polar regions, etc). Study their genomes to understand what genetic features allow them to thrive in such conditions.

16. Undertake a comparative genomics study: choose two organisms from different marine families and compare the similarities and differences in their genomes. Research into how their genomic variations could be due to their habitat, adaptations, and specific behavior.

Some of these ideas were proposed by independent Lumiere Mentors.

Topic #4 - Ocean-based solutions for global challenges

The ocean can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from reducing emissions to producing clean energy, improving food security, and much more. Further, studies show that ocean-based climate solutions can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35%. As a researcher, you could help contribute to critical research that can help limit pollution and create sustainable practices.

Some research ideas you can consider include:

17. Investigate how introducing artificial coastal reefs and other techniques to restore habitats can help improve marine biodiversity.

18. Study the effect of plastic pollution on marine life and examine the benefits of adopting more eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging materials. Develop new methods to remove plastic from the ocean.

19. Study carbon sequestration, the process of capturing and storing excess carbon dioxide. How can coastal ecosystems like mangroves, saltmarshes, seagrasses, etc. help mitigate C02 emissions?

20. Study more sustainable and effective practices for ocean farming.

21. Research different marine organisms that have a positive environmental impact (for example, seaweed helps remove toxins from the water and has a negative carbon footprint).

The ideas offered here are by no means exhaustive, and you could come up with your own research interests once you’ve dug deeper into a topic that interests you!

Bonus — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in marine biology or other STEM subjects, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Kieran Lobo is a freelance writer from India, who currently teaches English in Spain.

Image Source: Unsplash

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Presenter: Andrew Graham , Graduate Student, Ku’ulei Rodgers and Cindy Hunter Labs, UHM Marine Biology Graduate Program

Title: Quantifying the Effects of Human Presence on Fish Behavior at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hawaiʻi During and Immediately Following the COVID-19 Pandemic Closure of the Bay

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Location. Zoom/HIMB Pauley Classrooms. Presenter: Andrew Graham, Graduate Student, Ku'ulei Rodgers and Cindy Hunter Labs, UHM Marine Biology Graduate Program. Title: Quantifying the Effects of Human Presence on Fish Behavior at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hawaiʻi During and Immediately Following the COVID-19 Pandemic Closure of the Bay ...
Marine Biology and Biodiversity Thesis Defense
Dive into the world of marine biology and make a splash with your thesis defense! With our amazing Template, your presentation will have all the bells and whistles to hook your audience. Just imagine, your slides showcasing the incredible atmosphere of the deep ocean, from a beautiful flock of fish and divers. And the best part? It's 100% ready ...

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