Decisions for the management of the interactions between humans and other species are best based upon science, which, in turn, should be based upon research to address a specific question. Research can take the form of actual observations or modeling simulations. Although our understanding of the complex working and relationships between the oceans and their biological communities/systems is rapidly increasing, a great many specific details remain unknown. When water temperatures increase the numbers of plants and animals increase or decrease. For fisheries managers to regulate harvest levels, they should understand the population level responses of fishes, such as groupers, to changes in the marine environments, fishing pressure or structurally diverse habitats. The necessary understanding can only be obtained by answering questions about how the marine system works, especially as changes occur. Much of Marine Biological research attempts to address the information needed to answer these very complicated questions.

Historically, research on fish was limited to analyses of fish caught from the sea surface with methods used by commercial fishermen, such as hook and lines, nets and traps, as well as sampling the commercial and recreational catches. More recently, additional insights have been gained by viewing fish in their specific underwater increasing our knowledge of interactions within microhabitat types and among species with expensive visual surveillance equipment (as SCUBA, underwater TV sites, Remote Operating Vehicles and submersibles). Important information on gag grouper behavior has been greatly increased by observing natural fish interactions with standardized specifically designed artificial reef units in experimental designs. The technique holds promise for producing valuable fisheries information. Most research on adult grouper is conducted from ships at sea capable of working offshore and is, therefore, controlled by marine weather and the resulting sea conditions. Fish behavior as seen within their natural settings often helps explain how rare species can be drawn a great distance to baits giving the false impression of great abundance in catches.

Even large ships capable of working in deep waters and moderate seas can be limited in accomplishments under high wind and seas, especially when working with delicate and hydraulic equipment. Visual information could be greatly expanded in the future with any development of submarine drones.