Ocean conservation jobs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as nearly any job that involves working to protect and preserve the world’s oceans can be considered an ocean conservation job. Marine biologists, for example, make up a large percentage of those employed government agencies, nonprofit environmental organizations, and even corporations. There are also jobs in ocean conservation that focus on educating people about the issues that affect the ocean’s health. Working as an environmental lawyer or lobbyist is one example of these types of jobs.
Scientists, researchers, and biologists make up a large part of the ocean conservation workforce. These researchers sometimes conduct field studies, spending months at a time on the open oceans. During those times, a scientist might survey marine animals and fish, recording important data like the number of births and deaths, as well as migration details. Following that, the researchers usually write reports outlining their findings. A scientist may study a broad range of ocean-related issues, or she may focus on a specific issue, such as an endangered marine species, depending on the project.
Corporations also employ scientists and researchers to work in the field of ocean conservation. A shipping company, for example, might hire a marine engineer to investigate the energy efficiency of a fleet of ships. These engineers may be in charge of preventing oil, fuel, or other waste from leaking into the ocean. They may also investigate and advise the company on the most environmentally friendly shipping routes.
Educating people is a big part of a lot of ocean conservation jobs. Universities, government agencies, aquariums, zoos, and nonprofit organizations all have these positions available. Many of these ocean conservation jobs are based in classrooms, where students are taught about the ocean’s health and how to protect it, but others are based in offices. A person might, for example, be in charge of creating a newsletter, updating a website or blog, or even issuing a press release on behalf of a company, organization, or agency.
In the field of ocean conservation, lobbyists and lawyers are also required. These are some of the most difficult jobs to come in the field of ocean conservation. These people are frequently employed nonprofit organizations. They will typically fight for permanent changes to the rules and regulations governing ocean protection through congressional forums or the courts.