Marine biologists are scientists who study saltwater organisms and their relationship to the marine environment. They may do work in the ocean, coastal wetlands, seashores, estuaries, or anywhere else there is saltwater. They may work on a boat, may SCUBA dive, use a submersible vessel, or study marine life from shore. A marine biologist may […]
The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most productive waters in the world, and it is among the most threatened by human actions and neglect. Chapter 12: Oceans: The Gulf of Mexico
Most people know oysters have a hard outer shell and live on the bottom of Texas bays and estuaries. But what many people don’t know is that oysters don’t start out in a shell. After hatching from tiny eggs, the soft oysters drift in the water, pulled along by currents in the bay for about […]
Texas’ estuaries, wetlands, and coastal islands sit at the crossroads of one of the greatest annual migrations of wildlife anywhere in the world. Africa has its great migrations of hooved animals that cross the continent’s vast plains. Here in America we have great winged migrations. These consist of millions of waterfowl, wading and shore birds, […]
There are thousands of invertebrate species in aquatic systems, from mountain top headwaters to the greatest depths of the oceans. Benthic ecologists study the invertebrates and the communities of invertebrates that live on the bottoms of streams, lakes, rivers, estuaries, bays, and the ocean. They do research experiments, counts and measurements, look at the effects […]
Texas bays and estuaries provide vital ecosystems and nursery habitat for many important Gulf species, feeding and resting places for migrating birds, and billions of dollars to the Texas economy. Chapter 11: Bays and Estuaries
Wildlife Technician and Biologist Wildlife biologists and technicians work with all forms of wildlife and in wildlife habitats, varying from deserts to forests to wetlands. Technicians do lots of field work, such as capturing and counting wildlife species. Biologists work in the field, but also may do laboratory work, such as testing for fat content […]
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, and home to many specially adapted plant and wildlife species. Wetlands provide many important benefits to people, fish, and wildlife. Chapter 10: Wetlands
Fish Hatchery Technician and Biologist Freshwater fish hatchery biologists raise fish to be stocked into Texas’ lakes and rivers. Fish they raise may be used to bring back a species that has disappeared from a lake or to provide more fish for people to catch in a lake, stream, or bay. There are many kinds […]
Lakes and ponds provide habitat for many plants, insects, fish, birds and other wildlife, much of our drinking water and important economic and recreational opportunities for Texans. Chapter 9: Lakes and Ponds