Future of the Ocean

Marine biology at PHUHS has students thinking of the future

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Chaetan Prabhu

Students are enjoying marine biology class with Mrs. Coviello, as she shows off a swordfish snout.

Kids usually have a dream job; some want to be a pro athlete, some an astronaut, but there are few kids who want to be a marine biologist.

Students who are interested in science for the future of the planet’s waters and the animals that live in it are getting their feet wet by learning the basics of this intriguing topic through Mrs. Corine Coviello’s marine biology class.

“Learning the basics means the BASICS. We are currently going in depth on water and its properties. In my career I want to do marine science and study the environment,” said Colby Klein (‘20) in Mrs. Coviello’s sixth period class.

Klein is not the only student in Mrs. Coviello’s class who is interested in pursuing a future through marine biology.

“I want to study in marine science also, but instead of the environment I want to study sharks, specifically the great white shark. I would love to have the opportunity to free dive with them,” said Matthew Billek (‘21) in Mrs. Coviello’s class as well.

While Marine Biology encompeses all species of fish, it also has to do with the way an environment is impacted negatively in the ocean. One species in particular is the shark. For example, according to Oceana.org, Scientists in 2016 did a study showing that about 70 million sharks are slaughtered in the act of shark finning.

Shark finning is the act of slicing off the dorsal fin of a shark, then while still alive the shark’s body is thrown back into the ocean and left to drown to death. Shark finning is illegal in Hawaii, Texas, Oregon, Washington, California, Illinois, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and Massachusetts.

“I also want to take action against the finning of sharks. I hate seeing such amazing creatures in such pain,” Billek said.

The future of the ocean is left to those who are intrigued by these mysterious creatures and the ecosystem around them. They have lived for thousands of years and through healthy habits of keeping our waters clean, and will continue to thrive for years to come.