Abstract Polymer gels are cross-linked networks of marine polymers that self-assemble from dissolved ­organic carbon (DOC) polymers. Of the DOC, 10-30% can self assemble as polymer gels, playing critical roles in biogeochemical dynamics. Understanding marine polymer networks in the context of soft matter physics is valuable in identifying the properties and the structure of the organic matter field, as well as clarifying the mechanisms and dynamics of marine polymers. Phytoplankton and bacteria produce DOC polymers by diverse mechanisms. While, heterotrophic bacteria control their degradation, polymers can self-­assemble, transforming the truly dissolved polymers into a gel phase constituent of the particulate organic matter size continuum. This process represents the biggest shunt of organic matter otherwise available for bacterial degradation in the dilute DOC environment. Theory and tools of polymer physics provide valuable insights into understanding the mechanisms and the dynamics of marine biopolymers, their emergent properties, as well as their roles in colloidal behavior, the microbial loop, carbon cycling in the biological pump, trace metal complexation, and determining cloud properties.