With roughly three-quarters of the Earth's surface covered with water, aqua science has emerged as an important subject area. This profession deals with specialization in water and underwater environments. Broadly speaking aqua science is the multi-disciplinary study of Earth's interrelated processes (atmosphere, oceans, and land surface) and their relationship to changes in the Earth system.

Aqua science tries to answer questions that will affect the quality of life for future generations, developing and testing models that project the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, ozone depletion, and changes in currents and ocean temperature.

Important subject areas include Aquaculture which refers to is the cultivation of aquatic organisms and aquatic populations under controlled conditions. It further covers an important subject area called Mariculture which refers to aquaculture practiced in marine environments. Particular kinds of aquaculture include algaculture (the production of kelp/seaweed and other algae); fish farming; shrimp farming, shellfish farming, and the growing of cultured pearls.