Written by Katarina Martin
Marine biology covers a wide variety of topics and specialities, from the deepest depths of the oceans to the tropical shorelines and sandy beaches, and everything in between. It can be a difficult industry to make a name for yourself, and there can be a lot of criticism to come up against and possible backlash for radical ideas.
There are so many incredible and powerful women that have made a name for themselves in the marine biology world, here are but just a few:
Her deepness Dr Sylvia A. Earle! She is a marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, writer and lecturer. She has received over 100 prestigious honours for her marine conservation work and was even the first woman to ever hold the position of chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In 1970, she led an all-female team of aquanauts in Tektite II which allowed them to live submersed fifty feet below the surface for several weeks. There would need to be an entire book written to cover all the amazing work that Dr Earle has accomplished and is still accomplishing to this day, she really is a true inspiration and voice for the ocean.
Coral queen Dr Ruth Gates! She was a marine biologist and the director of the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology. She was also the first woman to be President of the International Society for Reef Studies. Her research was dedicated to understanding coral reef ecosystems with a focus on coral-algal symbiosis and the capacity for corals to acclimatize under climate change conditions. Sadly, Ruth is no longer with us but her legacy lives on, those who knew her speak of her dedication to the oceans and how infectious her passion was. In addition to her career in research, she served as a mentor, public speaker, science communicator for change and progress in marine science.
Diving extraordinaire Valerie Taylor! She is a conservationist, award winning photographer, filmmaker, shark expert and inaugural member of the diving hall of fame. Along side her husband, Ron, she has made countless documentaries about sharks and even filmed sequences for movies including Jaws! She is not only an advocate for sharks, but for women as well, in the diving industry and in marine science. In her career, she has been bitten by sharks four times, with only one incident being severe. In the 1980s whilst testing a chain mail suit she was bitten on her face and chin. She marvellously came out after the incident and did not blame the shark stating they were apex predators and she was in their environment. What a woman!
World changer Rachel Carson! She was a marine biologist, writer and conservationist whose sea trilogy and book Silent Spring are credited with advancing marine conservation and the global environmental movement. She came upon much adversity when her book Silent Spring was published, she was accused of being a radical, of being disloyal, unscientific and hysterical. Her writing raised awareness about environmental issues around the world. It’s a shame that she is no longer around to see that her work is still inspiring young scientists, writers and anyone who may be curious about the natural world.
The shark lady, Eugenie Clark! She was an ichthyologist known for both her research on shark behaviour and her study of fish. She was also a pioneer in the field of scuba diving for research purposes. She was once considered a world authority on sharks and fish, and she built Mote Marine Laboratory in 1955. She earned her nickname “shark lady” thanks to her trailblazing research on fish and shark species around the world as well as her personal dedication to protecting sharks and their ocean habitats from extinction. The research that she conducted helped to change the way we view sharks today, and her deep dives have given us insight into the ocean realm. She even has a number of species named after her. What a legacy!
Summary
All of these women were pioneering female scientists in a male dominated field. They each had passion and were completely devoted to their causes. They prove that women can do anything!
