Brian Bayne's research has encompassed physiological ecology, comparative physiology and physiological energetics of marine bivalves, with an emphasis on mussels and oysters; his aim has been to understand how they make a living. He has made contributions to larval ecology, the responsive nature and flexibility of feeding behaviour, and the significance of genetic variability. During his career as a marine biologist he served as the Director of the Institute for Marine Environmental Research, the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and as the first Director of the UK Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences. After retirement in the UK he held a Research Professorship at the University of Sydney. In 1998 he was elected to the Order of the British Empire for services to marine science.