Hey man- I just graduated from UCSB. There are a ton of opportunities to be on the water and "in" class at the same time. While I did not major in anything bio related I had some good friends who did. The most successful of which was an avid diver and became very involved with the marine bio program. By our senior year he was literally on the water more than he was in class. He did all kinds of research and had access to boats, people who own really nice boats, and in general met tons of other people who all love the ocean - these people also loved to fish. More freediving/spearfishing than rod and reel though. Plus, they knew some pretty sweet spots. Good luck.

Brent