Welcome to the Blue Crab information site... Where you'll find everything about Blue Crabs! The purpose of the site is to serve as a teaching aid by providing easy to understand information—from both a scientific and lay perspective—about the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus.) It is the goal of this website to become one of the the world's largest public archives of blue crab related facts and information allowing anyone to learn about this fascinating and mysterious creature.

Located in Ventura Harbor, Coastal Marine Biolabs is a private, 501(c)(3), research-based science education organization that provides innovative field and laboratory-based learning experiences for high school students. Under the mentorship of CMB scientists, students use many of the key technological cornerstones of modern scientific discovery to explore contemporary questions that lie at the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Ventura, California

As a marine laboratory the DISL's mission encompasses marine science education, marine science research, coastal zone management policy and educating the general public through the Estuarium, DISL's public aquarium. Founded in 1971 by the State Legislature, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is Alabama's marine science education and research laboratory. Located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, the DISL is surrounded by Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound and the waters of the Gulf, making it perfectly situated for a wide range of marine science activity. Dauphin Island, Alabama

Funded by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Biological Infrastructure program, the Digital Fish Library (DFL) project explores the morphological diversity of fishes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our mission is to catalog 3D MRI images of fish in an online archive that is accessible to scientists, educators and the general public via the web. University of California, San Diego

A Bouillabaisse of Fascinating Facts About Fish, from the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center. The National Marine Fisheries Service (Now NOAA Fisheries Service) annually answers thousands of questions about the oceans and the life that thrives within them. On the basis of a canvass of experienced marine scientists in the Fisheries Service done in 1973, more than a hundred questions have been chosen as most representative. These are the Most Frequently Asked Questions containing some fascinating facts about fish.

The Fish Information Service has info for the aquarium hobbyist, including descriptions of freshwater and saltwater fish, aquatic plants, and more.

FishBase is a global biodiversity information system on finfishes. Its initial goal to provide key facts on population dynamics for 200 major commercial species has now grown to having a wide range of information on all species currently known in the world: taxonomy, biology, trophic ecology, life history, and uses, as well as historical data reaching back to 250 years. At present, FishBase covers>33,000 fish species compiled from>52,000 references in partnership with>2,000 collaborators:>300,000 common names and>55,000 pictures. FishBase is currently hosted by the FishBase Information and Research Group, Incorporated with headquarters located in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.

Online Search - National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution - The fish collection, at the National Museum of Natural History, is the largest in the world. We have over 6 million specimens and the world’s largest collection of North American, Neotropical, Caribbean, and West Pacific fish fauna. A majority of the collection consists of specimens in alcohol with supporting collections of genetic, osteological, and cleared and stained material. Additional strengths include our extensive archival collections of illustrations, radiographs, color slides and field documentation. Washington, D.C.

Giant squid are elusive deep-sea animals with razor-toothed suckers and eyes the size of dinner plates. Images, videos, and facts from around the world. Giant squid live up to their name: the largest giant squid ever recorded by scientists was almost 43 feet (13 meters) long, and may have weighed nearly a ton. You’d think such a huge animal would be hard to miss. But because the ocean is vast and giant squid live deep underwater, they remain elusive and are rarely seen: most of what we know comes from dead carcasses that floated to the surface and were found by fishermen.

The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) was founded in 1947 to promote the exchange of current information on the use and management of marine resources in the Gulf and Caribbean region. From its beginning, GCFI has endeavored to involve scientific, governmental, and commercial sectors to provide a broad perspective on relevant issues, and to encourage dialogue among groups that often operate in relative isolation from one another. For 37 years, GCFI operated as an informal association under the sponsorship of the University of Miami. In 1985, with encouragement from the University, GCFI became an independent not-for profit corporation formally dedicated to its original purposes. Marathon, Florida

Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory's mission is to further through study, research, publication, teaching and public display the knowledge of marine biology; to promote protection of marine life and the marine environment; to collect, classify and disseminate marine biological specimens. Established in 1963, Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides marine life to schools and research laboratories. We also study endangered species and conduct research in mariculture, farming the edge of the sea. Today we are an integral part of numerous research programs all over the United States, Canada and Europe. Panacea, Florida

The Florida Museum Fish Collection is second only to the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian) in number of specimen records, as reported in the most recent survey of U.S. fish collections. The Florida Museum Fish Collection has added more records to its catalog during the interval between U.S. Fish Collection surveys than any other collection. Although global in scope, principal strengths of the UF Collection are elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays), western Atlantic reef fishes, western and eastern Atlantic shelf and deep water marine fishes, North American freshwater fishes, and freshwater fishes from SE Asia. Also important are large collections of freshwater fishes from Central America, South America, and the West Indies. Gainesville, Florida

Find a fish, identify a fish, fish movies, student info, and more. As one would expect, the Fish Research Collection contains many adult and larval fish specimens. These are used by researchers worldwide. The collection contains specimens from all around the world, but has large holdings of fishes from the deepsea and Indo-Pacific reefs as well as larval fishes, gobies and freshwater fishes from New South Wales. Sydney, NSW Australia

Museum of Comparative Zoology, Ichthyology Department. The Ichthyology collection houses recent bony and cartilaginous fishes. Ichthyology has been studied at Harvard since long before the founding of the Museum of Comparative Zoology in 1859. By the late 1700s, William Dandridge Peck, the first professor of Natural History at Harvard, had collected and published on New England fishes. Peck's specimens were skinned, dried and glued to paper sheets; some are still in the MCZ collection to this day. After the MCZ was founded the fish collection grew rapidly and has had a long history of active ichthyological research.

Simply put, iSeahorse is a tool for seahorse science and conservation. iSeahorse harnesses the power of 'citizen scientists' - anyone, anywhere in the world who sees a seahorse in the wild — to improve our understanding of these animals and protect them from overfishing and other threats. Anyone can join iSeahorse. Whether you're a diver, a fisher, a scientist, a seahorse enthusiast, or just on a beach holiday, you can upload your photos and observations to iSeahorse. You can help identify seahorse species. You can advocate for their protection in your ocean neighbourhood. iSeahorse is provided by Project Seahorse, a research unit of The University of British Columbia, Canada.

Help us find, study, and protect these wide-ranging animals! The Dauphin Island Sea Lab's (DISL) mission encompasses the pursuit of excellence in marine science education, marine research, coastal zone management policy and educating the general public through the Estuarium, our public aquarium. All Reports to DISL's Manatee Sighting Network will automatically be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Daphne, AL. Dauphin Island, Alabama

We have devoted our life to serving and educating you about the manta rays. When you come within inches of the “gentle giants” and feel a massive rush of ocean water come across your body, it changes you. It’s at THAT moment you become “one of us” and a Manta Ray Advocate. Our company is built on a bedrock of love for each other and the manta rays, a passion for giving you an exceptional experience, and an unstoppable drive to protect our ocean. We will teach you how to love and respect the ocean and its beautiful creatures. The manta rays embody this essence and the experience will affect you in powerful ways. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery and improving the human condition through research and education in biology, biomedicine, and environmental science. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago. The MBL has approximately 300 year-round employees, about half of which are scientists and science support staff. The staff is joined each year by more than 300 visiting scientists, summer staff, and research associates from hundreds of institutions around the world, as well as a large number of faculty and students participating in MBL courses. Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Online Science Courses. Odyssey Expeditions Tropical Marine Biology Voyages offers summer educational adventure voyages aboard catamarans in the Caribbean for high school and college students. This is our Marine Biology Educational Blog

The Marine Conservation Science Institute (MCSI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded on the belief that focused research can make a difference in how we view and manage our marine resources. MCSI is committed to promoting important issues in marine biology and fisheries, and is currently involved in research projects around the globe dedicated to protecting and conserving marine resources. Fallbrook, California

Information on the biology of species and the ecology of habitats found around the coasts and seas of the British Isles. MarLIN provides information to support marine conservation, management and planning. Our resources are based on available scientific evidence and designed for all stakeholders, from government agencies and industry to naturalists and the public. MarLIN hosts the largest review of the effects of human activities and natural events on marine species and habitats yet undertaken. Plymouth, Devon, England, UK

NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and their habitat. We provide vital services for the nation: productive and sustainable fisheries, safe sources of seafood, the recovery and conservation of protected resources, and healthy ecosystems—all backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management. U.S. fisheries are among the world’s largest and most sustainable. Seafood harvested from U.S. federally managed fisheries is inherently sustainable as a result of the U.S. fishery management process. Using the Magnuson-Stevens Act as the guide, NOAA Fisheries works in partnership with Regional Fishery Management Councils to assess and predict the status of fish stocks, set catch limits, ensure compliance with fisheries regulations, and reduce bycatch. Formally known as the National Marine Fisheries Service, we are an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce.

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as the trustee for a network of 14 marine protected areas encompassing more than 170,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from Washington state to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 13 national marine sanctuaries and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Our national marine sanctuaries are places of inspiration. Within their waters and along their shores, you can find vibrant tapestries of marine life, ancient mysteries of our past, and thriving communities of men and women who have relied on the sea for generations. Sanctuaries are places where anyone can go to experience the power and beauty of the ocean and form lasting memories in spectacular natural settings, from the vibrant coral reefs of American Samoa to the towering kelp forests of Monterey Bay. These underwater treasures are sources of national pride, and when we take care of them, we are protecting part of what makes America great.

The North American Native Fishes Association is dedicated to the appreciation, study and conservation of North America's native fishes. NANFA Objectives: to increase and disseminate knowledge about North America's native fishes and their habitats among aquarium hobbyists, biologists, fish and wildlife officials, anglers, educators, students, and others, through publications, electronic media, regional and national meetings, and other means; to promote the conservation of native fishes and the protection/ restoration of natural habitats; to advance the captive husbandry of North America's native fishes for the educational, scientific, and conservation benefits it affords... Milton, Washington

Our mission is simple; to support seabird conservation throughout northern New Zealand and the Kermadec Islands through innovative conservation strategies and engaging diverse communities. We promote the conservation of seabirds in northern New Zealand, and carry out conservation, research and education projects within the region. Warkworth, Auckland, New Zealand

Committed to conserving the abundance and diversity of the world's marine life and protecting the health of the oceans and seas. Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of the ocean. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. Informed by science, our work guides policy and engages people in protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations. Washington, DC

Welcome! The giant ocean sunfishes, family Molidae, are some of Earth's most fascinating yet mysterious creatures. These jelly-eating giants hold the record for being the world's heaviest bony fish and occupy a unique place in the open ocean web of life. This site is dedicated to consolidating our current state of knowledge and announcing our latest research discoveries and those of others as they become available.

Oceans Research provides and facilitates innovative and dynamic research relevant to the management and conservation of Southern Africa's wildlife. Its research is interdisciplinary ranging from biological to socio-economic studies of marine and terrestrial resource utilisation in Southern Africa's coastal society. Oceans Research specialises in investigating the biology and ecology of mega-fauna, including sharks, marine mammals and terrestrial carnivores; we advise governmental and non-governmental bodies on relevant conservation issues. Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

The Office of Protected Resources (OPR) is a headquarters program office of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries Service, or NMFS), under the U.S. Department of Commerce, with responsibility for protecting marine mammals and endangered/threatened marine life. NOAA's Office of Protected Resources works to conserve, protect, and recover species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in conjunction with our Regional Offices, Science Centers, and various partners.

Project Seahorse is a marine conservation organisation committed to the conservation and sustainable use of the world's coastal marine ecosystems. We generate cutting-edge research and turn our findings into highly effective conservation interventions. We collaborate with other researchers, governments, and local communities. By working to protect seahorses, Project Seahorse supports marine conservation more broadly. Seahorses suffer from the same pressures and benefit from many of the same interventions as other marine life. The University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC Canada

Redmap stands for Range Extension Database and Mapping project. This project invites Australians to share sightings of marine species that are 'uncommon' to their local seas. Over time, Redmap will use this 'citizen science' data to map which Australian marine species may be extending their distribution range – a.k.a moving house - in response to changes in the marine environment, such as ocean warming. Redmap members use their knowledge of the seas to help monitor Australia's vast coastline. The citizen science data also highlights regions and species that may be experiencing more distribution changes, so that research can be focused into these areas.

New World Publications line of Marine Life Books for Scuba Divers. Reef Fish, Creature and Coral Identification books by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach. Jacksonville, Florida

Save Our Leatherbacks Operation's (S.O.L.O.) primary goal is to recognize and help correct the nesting issues on the beaches of Irian Jaya, Indonesia. The Leatherback sea turtle is the largest sea turtle and largest reptile on earth (females are over 2 m long, 3 m wide, and 1 m thick with weights ranging from 500 kg up to to 1000 kg in the males). In prehistoric days these turtles numbered in the 100s of millions. Now, since 1998, the nesting population is well below 1,000 at the remaining, very remote beaches in Papua Barat, Indonesia. The primary goal of this Foundation is the help reverse the rapid decline of the Leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, populations toward extinction, which is occurring at an alarmingly fast rate. Kingwood, Texas

Participate in conservation efforts to save endangered manatees from extinction. Save the Manatee Club is an award-winning national nonprofit 501(c)(3) and membership-based organization established in 1981 by renowned singer/songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, and former U.S. Senator, Bob Graham, when he was governor of Florida. Our mission is to protect endangered manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations. Maitland, Florida

SCRFA provides scientific and practical management information on marine fish aggregations to improve their protection and enhance their resilience. Our methods manual, case studies, research and outreach all contribute to a better understanding of aggregations and the need to manage them. Our Directors work globally in academic institutions, NGOs and government, and participate in international committees and at conferences and workshops to promote responsible stewardship of fish aggregations. We also provide training and support, and guide research. Ongoing projects involve engagement in the Asia-Pacific, Indian Ocean and the Caribbean. Based in California, USA

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland's largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, dedicated to delivering marine science for a healthy and sustainable marine environment through research, education and engagement with society. SAMS research strengths include marine renewables, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, marine policy, deep-sea systems, climate change and polar science. Oban, Argyll, UK

On the Sea Slug Forum you can ask questions, post information and find out more about nudibranchs, bubble-shells, sea hares and other sea slugs. This site aims to generate more interest in these fascinating animals by sharing information with a worldwide audience. The Forum is a useful tool for anyone with an interest in sea slugs from scientists and students to divers and aquarists.

This site includes descriptions of 30 species of sea stars encountered from the intertidal zone to a depth of 30 m (100 ft) on the Pacific coast of North America from northern California, Oregon, Washington State, British Columbia and southeast Alaska.

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) is a non-governmental research and conservation organization that has been protecting sea turtles since 1991. The small Caribbean island of Bonaire is our headquarters and home to three of the world’s six endangered or critically endangered species of marine turtles: the hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtle. STCB uses best practices in science and conservation to build knowledge and protection of Bonaire’s sea turtles. We share our knowledge to raise awareness, affect policy and build support for biodiversity protection. Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

This is a guide to common marine invertebrates, seaweeds and fishes likely to be encountered on rocky shores and kelp forests of Monterey Bay and central California. The site was created as a teaching tool for undergraduate students at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove, CA. Notes on abundance and microhabitat pertain to southern Monterey Bay and may not apply directly to other locations. Cryptic and/or small-bodied species are under-represented here, since they are seldom encountered in the field without special efforts.

Operating under the Division of Biological Sciences at Cornell University in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire at Durham, the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) offers a unique opportunity for students to experience marine science. The mission of the Shoals Marine Laboratory is to provide education and research programs that advance the 1) understanding of marine and coastal ecosystems and 2) development of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire

Welcome to the Ocean Portal. We focus on everything ocean – unusual and everyday organisms, ocean-inspired art, researchers devoting their lives to exploring the still mostly mysterious ecosystem. We here at the Ocean Portal learn something new everyday and we want to share it with you! The Ocean Portal is part of the Smithsonian Institution's Ocean Initiative. Together with the National Museum of Natural History’s Sant Ocean Hall and the Sant Marine Science Chair, the Ocean Portal supports the Smithsonian's mission to increase the public's understanding and stewardship of the Ocean.

A Page Devoted to Marine Turtles

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the premier government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats.We are the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of these important natural resources for the American public. The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program works with partners and the public to manage fish and other aquatic resources to achieve the goals of healthy, self-sustaining populations, and the conservation or restoration of their habitats.

Endangered Species Act. Information from the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University

Just like the ocean, there are depths to what we do as marine biologists. That's our goal here, to show the different ways that a career in marine science can take you, what being a marine biologist really means, and how you can help our oceans. Here we believe that being a marine biologist is so much more than simply studying the ocean's living creatures. Oceanographers, engineers, videographers, conservationists, and every day folk all fall under the ocean’s spell. What does it take to work on the ocean, to help save our seas? We'll be exploring these topics in depth on this website and over at our podcast So You Want to Be a Marine Biologist. We learn from people who are working hard to better protect our oceans with their inspiring research and projects. We break down scientific jargon into bite sized pieces, and cover concepts important to marine research. We explore how to get those amazing jobs (like studying dolphins and coral) and what it takes to contribute to marine science. We show you how you, just one person, can make a huge impact. We reveal the real side of being a marine biologist. If you love the ocean and its mysteries, you’re in the right spot

WhaleTimes, Inc. was created in 1995 to provide kids easy access to marine science information. Through the years it expanded and, in order to better work with schools and scientists, it became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2008. WhaleTimes has grown into a respected education organization, sought out by marine scientists and scientific organizations to create programs that highlight their research. WhaleTimes' mission is to create a connection between the ocean, ocean research, the researchers, and students through formal and informal education programs. This connection ignites a passion for the ocean, inspires students to consider marine science as a career, and empowers kids to protect the ocean.

The aim of a World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) is to provide an authoritative and comprehensive list of names of marine organisms, including information on synonymy. While the highest priority goes to valid names, other names in use are included so that this register can serve as a guide to interpret taxonomic literature. The content of WoRMS is controlled by taxonomic and thematic experts, not by database managers. WoRMS has an editorial management system where each taxonomic group is represented by an expert who has the authority over the content, and is responsible for controlling the quality of the information. Each of these main taxonomic editors can invite several specialists of smaller groups within their area of responsibility to join them. Flanders, Belgium