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382 BCE
The Father of Marine Biology
Aristotle studies and records data on various forms of marine life (fish,mollusks,crustaceans)
Because he is credited as the first to record his findings,he is considered the father of marine biology. -
The Modern Day
Captain James Cook traveled the world under the British Navy,during which he mapped out unexplored oceans and recorded many previously unknown plant and animal species along the way.
This marks the beginning of modern day marine study. -
Darwin's Beginning
Charles Darwin was the resident naturalist aboard the HMS Beagle,where his experiences helped formulate his now famous theory of natural selection. He spent time collecting organisms and bringing them back for further study. -
The First Marine Station
Station Biologique de Roscoff was the first marine station,established by the College of France in Concarneau,France. It's original purpose was to increase the numbers of selected marine species,but is still utilized today for research on microbiology. -
The First Fishery Research Facility
Spencer Fullerton Baird was the first director of the US Commission of Fish and Fisheries (known today as the National Marine Fisheries Services)
He set up a collection station in Woods Hole,Massachusetts to investigate declining fish population. This facility exists today as the Northeast Fisheries Science Center,and is the oldest of its kind in the world. -
The Voyage of The Challenger
The expedition of the HMS Challenger,led by Sir Charles Wyville Thomson,was a monumental piece of aquatic history.
Over three years,they collected enough data to fill 50 volumes (30k pages) that are still referenced to this day. 4,717 new species were identified along with the discovery of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
It also disproved the previously believed theory that life could not exist below a certain depth,as they traveled over 2,000 feet downwards. -
The Marine Biological Laboratory
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) was established in Woods Hole,Massachusetts by Alpheus Hyatt. It's purpose was to offer summer courses on marine life and basic research skills.
Alpheus Hyatt was a natural science student at Harvard under Louis Agazzis,who had previously established his own school of natural history near Woods Hole. -
Scripps Institute of Oceanography
University of California professor Dr. William E Ritter established an independent laboratory in San Diego. In 1912 it became a part of the University of California as the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. -
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute was founded in response to the National Academy of Science putting a $3mil grant towards a dedicated facility. This was a push forward in what they called "a worldwide program of oceanographic research". -
The First Underwater Camera
Dr. Hans Hass and his wife Lotte were passionate about underwater exploration and preservation,and brought this love to the public by producing many documentaries about their experiences. He invented the first functional underwater camera and used their own recordings to put together their films. This would later become useful in photographing specimens.
He is also notable for being one of the first humans to interact with sperm whales and was integral in the studies on marine animal behavior.
