Marine biology is a broad field with a wide range of job opportunities. A marine biologist may, for example, conduct research in marine protected areas, contribute to environmental management, assist in the growth and monitoring of marine species, or engage in academic research. People who have earned a bachelor’s degree in science with a focus on marine biology from an accredited institution are usually eligible for marine biology jobs.
The study of organisms that live in the ocean or other marine environments is known as marine biology. Because many different species can live in or out of the water, marine biologists study organisms that are classified by habitat rather than taxonomy. Marine biologists can study everything from microscopic plankton to whales.
Marine biologists can work in a variety of environments and locations because water covers approximately 71% of the earth’s surface. Some marine biologists may have a scuba-diving certificate, which gives them the proper training and certification to work under water, depending on the different marine biology jobs. Marine biologists may also work in marine labs, which are specially designed indoor facilities where marine species can be housed.
It’s not uncommon for marine biologists to specialize in a particular marine organism. Some marine biologists, for example, specialize in plant life, while others are ichthyologists, or fish experts. Some of the available marine biology jobs may correspond to the marine biologist’s expertise.
A fishery biologist is a type of marine biologist who collects and analyzes fish demographic data. Fish and shellfish are usually raised in these marine biology jobs in a fishery marine lab, where marine biologists look for ways to improve the health and lifespan of the fish. Fishery workers may seek out strategies that aid in the preservation of overexploited or endangered fish stocks.
Another job for a marine biologist is to protect the marine environment. These marine conservationists work to preserve marine ecosystems, ensuring the survival of the organisms that live there and promoting biodiversity. Traditional marine biology, as well as other fields such as oceanography, genetics, and environmental management, can be used by marine conservationists to envision projects aimed at preserving the environment.
Some marine biologists also work as professors. This could indicate that they are a marine biology instructor at a college or university. They may also be involved in school-sponsored research projects. Some academic marine biologists contribute to the field by writing textbooks or publishing articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals about their research projects.