Marine Biologist
A Marine Biologist is a scientist who specializes in studying marine life and ecosystems, focusing on the habitats of oceanic animals and plants. This field of work encompasses various specialties, including marine conservation, fisheries management, and animal behavior, among others. Marine biologists conduct research on a broad range of species, from large mammals like sea turtles and sharks to microscopic organisms, analyzing their behaviors, chemical compositions of water, and the geological features of the ocean.
The career typically requires a bachelor's degree in marine biology or a related field, and many professionals gain experience through internships or fieldwork. Employment opportunities are diverse, with marine biologists working in laboratories, on research vessels, in aquariums, or directly in natural habitats. The job can be competitive, necessitating strong communication and collaboration skills as well as flexibility in various working conditions, sometimes involving long hours in challenging environments.
Marine biologists also partake in public outreach, education, and administrative tasks, often contributing to scientific papers and reports. Given the significant portion of the Earth's surface covered by oceans, the work of marine biologists is vital for understanding and conserving marine biodiversity.
Marine Biologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Biology, science, marine wildlife and habitats, animal behavior, oceanography, field study and research, marine conservation
Earnings (Yearly Median): $70,600 per year $33.94 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Marine biologists study the habitats of sea, animal, and plant life in saltwater environments. There are many specialties within marine biology, including those focused on the areas of conservation, fisheries management, animal behavior, microbiology, and more. Marine biologists work all over the world; the occupation is one of the most all-encompassing fields of oceanography. Marine biologists study a range of species, from sea turtles to sharks to sponges, plankton, and microorganisms. Studies may concentrate on the behavior of species, the chemical makeup of water, the ocean’s geology, plants, or biological habitats such as coral reefs.
Often, potential marine biologists are interested in mammals. Research jobs in this specialty are extremely popular, and therefore, the field of marine biology is competitive. Most marine biologists will have completed fieldwork in their chosen concentration, such as internships at aquariums or natural history museums, and perhaps even spent a semester at sea.
Work Environment. Marine biologists’ workplaces vary and include but aren’t limited to laboratory environments, underwater expeditions, fishing boats, and aquariums. In any of these environments, strong communication skills are essential, as is an eye for detail. Marine biologists often work with other researchers or professionals from other disciplines, which requires that marine biologists have great task flexibility. For instance, in underwater expeditions, it is useful to be licensed in scuba diving, while observation, education, and public speaking may be essential skills in an aquarium or museum environment.
Occupation Interest. Marine biologists have a strong background in science and a healthy respect for the scientific process and for new discovery. They deal directly with marine life and must collaborate with coworkers to achieve established research goals. This requires open-mindedness, a continual willingness to learn, and respect for all marine organisms.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Since the oceans cover about 70 percent of the earth, the study of this environment is wide-ranging. Research is a significant component of what a marine biologist does, and studying wildlife in natural environments may be a part of that. A marine biologist could be part of a research team on a boat studying animal behavior, or they could be employed by the federal fisheries as an observer on a fishing boat, monitoring fish catches. Some marine biologists’ research may take them to Arctic waters or to the tropics. Other researchers may work in a laboratory, studying the chemical composition of water in a certain area or mapping the DNA of ocean microorganisms.
Marine biologists often record their findings, write and present reports and scientific papers, provide analysis, and perform administrative tasks relevant to their place of employment. Often, the research focuses on collecting, examining, and analyzing preserved specimens for experiments. In museums, aquariums, or zoos, a marine biologist may be asked to perform public outreach functions or participate in fund-raising.
For researchers in the field, the hours may vary widely, from long days during a particularly successful fishing trip to quieter days with less activity as a boat travels to offshore fishing grounds. Researchers in an academic or corporate laboratory might have a more reliable schedule of forty-plus hours a week.
Aquaculturists (041.061-022).Aquaculturists use their knowledge of fish and breeding to raise fish, lobster, clams, oysters, and shrimp on commercial farms.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Marine biologists work primarily in laboratories, on boats, at the seashore, underwater, and in aquariums and marine museums. Working on boats is stressful at times, as people aboard the ship share tight quarters yet enjoy little privacy. Depending on the location of a research facility, climate, and access to research facilities can be a challenge for some scientists. Laboratory research positions are often in academic, clinical, or corporate settings. Most marine biologists work in locations close to or on oceans.
Human Environment. Sometimes, marine biologists are away from home for weeks, working in harsh weather conditions. For this reason, they must be hardy, focused, and strong multitaskers. They are also required to be open-minded in their interactions with others, as they may live in cramped quarters for long periods of time with people from various walks of life. Those in academic fields must be open to a range of learning styles and levels of understanding. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are a necessity.
Technological Environment. The technological equipment available for marine biologists to use in their research varies according to the setting, research funding, and need. Those mapping the genome of microorganisms, for example, use complex laboratory equipment and computers; those working in a not-for-profit aquarium have more limited resources and, therefore, have limited access to sophisticated laboratory or computer equipment. Marine biologists may work with oceanographic instruments to help them navigate their way through the experiments relating to oceans, fisheries, federal or state government agencies, and private research institutions. Researchers on ocean vessels may be expected to have some familiarity with the sailing or operation of a boat or ship as a member of the crew.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students seeking a career in marine biology should build a solid foundation in the natural sciences, especially biology. Developing an understanding of and respect for the scientific process is desirable. When ready to explore college options, students should research colleges that have a strong science department with up-to-date lab facilities, opportunities for relevant internships, and an affiliation with a research facility. High school students should make use of career guidance counselors, who can help them navigate through the choices that best meet future career goals. They might also avail themselves of extracurricular programs or activities that can enhance their familiarity with saltwater habitats.
Postsecondary. Marine biologists need a bachelor’s degree in either marine biology or a related subject, such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, ecology, microbiology, or zoology. Those with bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees can expect to find opportunities appropriate to their education and experience, as technicians, educators, or researchers with employers such as industrial and private-sector companies, marine stations, research foundations, zoos, aquariums, federal agencies, or not-for-profit environmental advocacy organizations. Aspiring independent or university-affiliated researchers should obtain a doctorate and gain experience with statistics and computer programming.
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Bibliography
"What Is Marine Biology?" MarineBio, 2023, www.marinebio.org/creatures/marine-biology/. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.
"Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.