Dr. Martin Belli grew up in Brooklyn, New York. As a boy he had an avid interest in marine biology. During his high school, college and medical school years he successfully kept various species of marine organisms including eels, groupers, octopus and seahorses. After graduating from New York University with a BA in biology and music, Marty matriculated at Mt. Sinai Medical School in New York City. In 1985 he graduated from medical school to pursue a four year Surgical/Clinical Pathology residency, followed by a combined Chief Resident/Fellow in Dermatopathology appointment, at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Having a service obligation to the US Navy, he then entered active duty and served as Laboratory Medical Director and Military Forensic Pathologist for Guam Naval Hospital. It was there that he earned a deep water diver's certificate that allowed him to further persue his fascination in marine biology. In 1994 Marty resigned from the Navy, as a Commander, to take up private practice at Brownwood Regional Medical Center in rural Texas.  There he currently serves as Pathologist, Medical Director of the Laboratory, Medical Executive Committee Member, Hospital Board Member and Chairman of the Infectious Disease Committee. 

In October 2003 Marty became an active member of Seahorse.org, where he now serves in an administrative capacity.