Marine Biologist Career
If you work as a Marine Biologist, you study fish and other wildlife that inhabit the oceans. As well, it is likely you collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of ocean habitats. Working in this career subsector, you could also carry the job title of Aquatic Biologist, Conservation Resources Management Biologist, or Habitat Biologist.
Duties
- Develop and conduct experimental studies with animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Collect biological data and specimens for analysis.
- Study the characteristics of marine animals, such as their interactions with other species, reproduction, population dynamics, diseases, and movement patterns.
- Analyze the influence that human activity has on marine animals and their natural habitats.
- Research, initiate, and maintain ways of improving breeding programs that support healthy endangered species, or other populations of marine life.
- Develop and implement programs to reduce risk of human activities on marine animals.
- Write research papers, reports, and scholarly articles that explain findings.
- Give presentations on research findings to academics and the general public.
- Develop conservation plans and make recommendations on marine conservation and management issues to policymakers and the general public.
Outlook
Median Wage: annual earnings vary from approximately $40,000 - $90,000.
Job opportunities are likely in the future and expected growth in this occupation is about 5% 2018-2028.
For more information
- MarineBio Conservation Society
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- National Association of Marine Laboratories
- American Cetacean Society
- American Academy of Underwater Sciences
- National Marine Educators Association
- American Society of Mammalogists
- NYS Marine Education Association
- Animal Behavior Society
- Center for Ocean Solutions - Stanford
- Pacific Coastal and Marine Center
- Marine Conservation Institute
- HUBBS Seaworld Institute
- The Oceanography Society
- Marine Mammal Center
- The Wildlife Society
- International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers
- Sea Studios Foundation (oceanic filmmaking; requires Flash player)
Publications
- Current – The Journal of Marine Education (NMEA)
- National Sea Grant Library
- World Ocean Observatory Magazine
- ACS Whalewatcher
- Journal of Marine Biology and Oceanography
- PCMSC Publications
- ACS Spyhopper
- MarineBio Ocean Channel
- Journal of Mammalogy (open access articles)
Academic Programs
To find an institution of higher education that offers a program relative to your career aspirations in Marine Biology, the easiest place to start for most people is to perform a simple search by area of interest. Overall, there are associate, bachelor, and advanced degree programs in public and private postsecondary colleges and universities across the country in the following areas:
- Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
- Marine Maintenance
- Marine Science
- Merchant Marine Officer
- Marine Sciences
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Marine Resources Management
Use the link provided below and the ‘Browse for Program’ button to search by program area: