Field of Marine Science Page

FIELD OF MARINE SCIENCE
These are exciting times to pursue a degree and career in marine science! National and international public policy makers are increasingly recognizing the importance of the world's oceans and marine research to our national health and well-being. As sustainable use and conservation of ocean and coastal resources is rising on government agendas, the need for increased marine science education, research, and funding is escalating. Two major national reports from the Pew Oceans Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy recently documented the critical importance of marine science and the rapidly growing need for well-trained marine scientists.	Marine scientist records data.
In May 2003, the Pew Oceans Commission published America's Living Oceans: Charting a Course for Sea Change. In this document, the Commission made the following recommendations for science, education, and funding. "Develop and implement a comprehensive national ocean research and monitoring strategy. Double funding for basic ocean science and research. Improve the use of existing scientific information by creating a mechanism or institution that regularly provides independent scientific oversight of ocean and coastal management. Broaden ocean education and awareness through a commitment to teach and learn about our oceans, at all levels of society."	Marine mammalogists perform necropsy of right whale.
In July 2004, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy published An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century, which outlined recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy. The Commission made the following recommendations marked by increased investment in science and exploration. Double the federal ocean and coastal research budget. Launch a deep-sea ocean exploration program. Create a national strategy for ocean research. Advance the nation's ability to observe, monitor, and forecast ocean and coastal conditions. Develop a national monitoring network to assess growing threats to the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes waters. Establish programs and partnerships that aid in the dissemination of useful information from scientific data. Accelerate coastal and ocean mapping and charting. Implement education programs to a) reverse scientific and environmental illiteracy, b) create a strong, diverse workforce, c) produce informed decision makers, and d) develop a national stewardship ethic for the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes.	Marine scientist collects water quality data in estuary. Florida spiny lobster.
For extensive information on the wide variety of careers within the field of marine science, explore the Sea Grant marinecareers.net compiled by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and New Hampshire Sea Grant Programs.