Is there anything more mysterious than marine life? From schools of fish to corals to massive sea mammals, the fascinating creatures and ecosystems we know so well pale in comparison to what we have yet to learn about what lies deep in the earth’s oceans. That’s where marine biologists and conservationists come in. Not only are they advocates for the protection of marine life and biodiversity, but Marine biologists also have the inspiring task of exploring our oceans to better understand the ocean, its inhabitants, and the ways in which human activity impacts these ecosystems.

If you’re studying – or interested in – marine biology, you’ve got a very cool career ahead of you. So you need high-quality and engaging ecology and biology textbooks. Here is our list of the ten most searched Marine Biology textbooks.

Citizens of the Sea: Wondrous Creatures from the Census of Marine Life

by Nancy Knowlton

Revel in work of exceptional National Geographic underwater photographers and the strange and fascinating underwater organisms they’ve captured on film. The extent of marine life remains quite a mystery, but Citizens of the Sea provides amazing insight into the underwater universe.

Marine Biology 11th Edition

by Peter Castro 

This textbook encompasses the fundamental principles of biology and scientific method as it introduces marine biology. It is a classic university textbook that provides a broad overview of marine life in different ecosystems worldwide.

Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology

by Jeffrey Levinton 

The beautiful cover of Marine Biology alone should be enough to pick up this seminal textbook. Through its five iterations, Levinton infuses his latest edition into molecular biology, ocean processes, and global climate change.

Introduction to Marine Biology

by George Karleskint, Richard Turner, James Small

Karleskint, Turner, and Small have pooled their collective professional experience in coastal environments and marine animal biology to put together a high-quality textbook. This textbook is a brilliant introduction to marine life and ocean ecology.

Marine Biology: A Very Short Introduction

by Philip V. Mladenov

For those who want a more gentle introduction to key Marine Biology concepts, this book provides a concise beginner’s guide to the marine environment and the nature of marine ecosystems.

The World Beneath: The Life and Times of Unknown Sea Creatures and Coral Reefs

by Dr. Richard Smith

Dive into this book to an inside look at the ocean’s most captivating creatures, from deep sea curiosities to coral reefs. The World Beneath has over three-hundred stunning colour photos by renowned photographer and Marine Biologist Dr. Richard Smith.

Becoming a Marine Biologist

by Virginia Morell

Forge yourself a career in marine biology with the help of journalist Virginia Morell’s exploration of Dr. Robin’s Baird’s Pacific Ocean expeditions and research of over twenty dolphin and whale species. It is an inspiring account of Baird’s contribution to marine biology.

The Ocean of Life: The Fate of Man and the Sea

by Callum Roberts

Leading conservation biologist brings readers on an awe-inspiring exploration of our relationship to the sea and how it has shaped mankind, civilization, and marine life.

Marine Biology: An Ecological Approach

by James W. Nybakken and Mark D. Dertness

This textbook emphasises the ecological principles that all ocean environments are beholden to. Dive into unique marine ecosystems, from plankton communities to estuaries.

The Shark Handbook: Third Edition: The Essential Guide for Understanding the Sharks of the World

by Dr. Greg Skomal

Here’s your guide to everything sharks! Shark expert Dr. Greg Skomal takes the reader on a 445-million-year journey through the history of sharks and provides over four-hundred profiles and beautiful photos of every shark species in the ocean.

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