ZO3814: APPLIED MARINE BIOLOGY (2025-2026)

Historically, major areas of marine biology have developed in response to the need to understand and manage ‘applied’ issues: activities or processes with practical, commercial or welfare consequences for humans, such as fisheries, aquaculture, biofouling, pollution and, more recently, other marine industries, the spread of invasive non-native species, conservation of marine biodiversity, and effects of climate change. Applied marine biology draws on several biological disciplines and often involves surveying and measuring physical and chemical aspects of the marine environment. Marine biologists therefore need to work closely with other disciplines, professions, industries and the public to understand the characteristics of human activities and how they interact with the marine environment and marine biota. The word “interact” is used here because human activities can both impact and be impacted by marine life. For example, it is well known that populations of marine species may be reduced, or species assemblages degraded, through fishing, pollution and habitat change. Examples of marine life affecting human interests include the growth of marine organisms on ships increasing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, harmful algal blooms causing toxins in seafood, and venomous or predatory marine species posing a threat to people who enter the water for recreational or commercial purposes.

This course explains how the science of marine biology can be applied to understand the interactions between human activities and marine environments, habitats and species through exploration of selected topics. Importantly, the course also examines how that understanding can be translated into appropriate management measures.

The course is delivered through a combination of talks, field and laboratory practical classes, group work, and guided individual study. The particular topics considered may vary from year to year, but typically include:

• Environmental impact assessment (EIA): lectures and supplemental material explain the process of assessing the environmental effects of marine ‘developments’ (construction or other activities) and the information requirements for this. EIAs commonly stipulate that there should be monitoring of key environmental features and biota at different stages of the development. In the assignment for this part of the course, student teams act as environmental consultancy companies to bid for a contract to monitor populations of specified groups of marine organisms in the wake of a major marine development.

• Fisheries: the ways in which marine fisheries can be managed and the scientific information required for this are introduced in lectures and directed reading. The associated assignment involves a field survey of an exploited species followed by laboratory work to generate vital data that are subject to a series of analyses to estimate critical fishery parameters such as abundance, biomass, mortality, growth, and size at maturity. Students work in small groups to complete the practical work, then the class dataset is collated and shared for individual analysis and reporting. This is supported with a tutorial, analysis guides and a drop-in session.

• Aquaculture: the variety of marine species cultivated for human consumption and different systems for producing them are reviewed. Current approaches to avoiding and treating disease in aquaculture are explained in detail, drawing on research expertise in the School of Biological Sciences. Environmental impacts of aquaculture and ways of reducing them are examined. To promote critical thinking and logical argumentation, reading and debate is encouraged about the pros and cons of this form of food production. The assignment linked with this part of the course is a short, written piece that critically reviews a topical issue in marine aquaculture.

• Invasive non-native species (INNS): a serious consequence of international shipping has been the spread of marine species beyond their natural range. Outwith their native conditions and suite of predators and competitors, some species have proliferated, outcompeting or preying on native species, spreading disease or altering habitats. These are invasive non-native species. Lectures set the scene for this topic and a range of supporting material is provided. The class researches and shares information on different INNS and discuss causes, problems and proposed solutions.

• Recent research: to provide examples of how the field develops, guest talks will be given on current areas of applied marine biological research in SBS and partner institutions (subject to availability).

• Other topics: other areas of applied marine biology that may be considered include: biofouling (problematic growth of marine organisms on artificial structures), pollution, habitat modification for fisheries or conservation, activities that damage habitat, and the scientific underpinning of marine conservation.

Overall, the course aims to develop an understanding of the interface between the science of marine biology and activities of economic and societal importance. Many aspects of human intervention in marine ecosystems are controversial and knowledge is usually incomplete. There is therefore considerable scope to reflect on the role of science in informing those who have to judge where an appropriate balance between benefits and impacts may lie.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

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