Can Marine Biologists Live on the Mainland? Do They Have to Live Near the Shore?

Marine biology, a fascinating field that delves into the study of life in the world's oceans, might make one think that researchers must live near the sea to conduct their investigations. However, the reality is quite different, with many marine biologists thriving on the mainland and making significant contributions to the field. The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, serves as an excellent example of this dynamic.

The MBL: A Primer in Marine Biology

The MBL, established in 1888, has been at the forefront of marine biology research for over a century. Originally a center for marine organism studies, it has since expanded its scope to include any living organism that can be studied using innovative technology developed and refined at the MBL. Located in Woods Hole, an area dubbed the 'Island Neighborhood,' the MBL provides ideal conditions for researchers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the marine environment during the summer months.

While many researchers do live near the shore, the MBL has been instrumental in facilitating scientific collaboration and innovation. Research facilities like the 'Life Tables' allow scientists to keep a wide range of marine organisms in running seawater, enabling year-round study and experimentation. For instance, the MBL has attracted a diverse group of mainland-based researchers who travel to conduct their research during the summer months. This flexibility has led to groundbreaking studies on various organisms, from insects in Cleveland, Ohio, to marine algae and oocytes in Western Massachusetts.

Investigation and Collaboration Beyond the Shore

The MBL's experimental facilities and advanced equipment often attract researchers from across the United States and the world. One notable example is the Vibrating Probe Facility, led by Lionel Jaffe, which was initially developed to study the ionic currents involved in the development of the green macro-alga Fucus. Jaffe's ground-breaking technology extended beyond marine organisms, allowing researchers to explore calcium currents in mouse oocytes and other non-marine subjects. This dual-purpose research environment exemplifies how marine biologists can adapt to mainland settings and still pursue cutting-edge research.

Many marine biology labs focus more on specific marine organisms, and their researchers typically live near the coast. However, even marine biologists who primarily work with marine organisms can live and conduct their primary research on the mainland. They utilize artificial marine water, such as Instant Ocean, to cultivate and maintain their subjects. The MBL has even taken the initiative to ship marine specimens, like sea urchins, to mainland laboratories for study and education.

Exploring New Frontiers and Remote Research

The deep-sea environment remains one of the most mysterious and least explored aspects of our planet. Researchers in this field often develop specialized tools and techniques to access and study deep-sea environments. However, the vast majority of these researchers live inland, with the means of entry to the ocean provided through various transport methods, including ships and unmanned vehicles. Advances in remote sensing technology, such as ocean gliders and unmanned deep-sea vehicles, have expanded the scope of marine research, allowing data to be collected and analyzed from anywhere on land.

I, for example, was able to carry out marine biology research from my home base in Western Massachusetts, periodically conducting fieldwork on research vessels under the auspices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This dual approach of living on the mainland and conducting marine research has proven to be highly effective, fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of marine biology.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Can marine biologists live on the mainland and still make significant contributions to the field of marine biology? Yes, and the story of the MBL and its diverse group of researchers illustrates this point beautifully. The focus on flexible research environments, the use of artificial marine environments, and the advancement of remote research technologies have all enabled marine biologists to work both on and off the coast. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that the scope of marine research will expand further, allowing more marine biologists to live and work on the mainland while still conducting cutting-edge research in marine environments.