Marine biologists study the fascinating animal, plant, and microscopic life in oceans.
With an estimated 80% of all life on earth under the ocean surface, plants and animals act as indicators of the effect of human activities on the planet, including pollution and climate change. Marine biologists play a vital role in studying these effects.
What does a marine biologist do?
Marine biologists investigate all kinds of issues and problems. Overfishing, plastic pollution, ocean acidification from warming oceans and oil spills all contribute to the loss of marine life, coral bleaching and consequences for humanity.
However, marine biologists can help address many of these problems. Many work for offshore oil and gas companies to reduce the negative impact of their operations on marine life. They are also involved in developing designated marine reserves and creating artificial reefs/wrecks to encourage wildlife into an area.
Concern for the marine environment and an interest in water-based leisure activities have made this area of applied biology a popular career choice.
What skills and personal qualities do you need for marine biology?
An affinity with the marine environment and an interest in aquatic life should be at the core of what drives every marine biologist.
Other required skills include:
- Excellent numerical and statistical ability
- Practical fieldwork skills
- Patience and good observation
- Excellent teamwork and personal communication abilities
- Good written and oral communication skills
What about entry, training, and qualifications?
The usual requirement for professional posts in marine biology is a degree in biology or biochemistry. It is advisable to start with a broad degree as this may offer you more career options and will ensure that you get a good understanding of how biology ‘fits into’ your marine interests.
A relevant degree can be followed by a postgraduate degree specialising in marine biology – in fact, most jobs now ask for postgraduate qualifications.
Who employs marine biologists?
Marine biologists are sought after in the public and private spaces. Government-run regulatory and environmental bodies, such as the Marine and Fisheries Agency and the Environment Agency in the UK, require the work of marine biologists to help develop laws and regulations.
Commercial fisheries, environmental consultancies and large industrial businesses, such as offshore oil and gas exploration companies, all also require marine biologists to support their work.
Marine biologists may also find employment with research and advisory bodies, such as the institutes funded by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, as do university research teams.
What about future prospects?
Job vacancies are often offered for a fixed term of two to three years to work on a particular project. Many jobs are based overseas, or at sea.
It is possible for marine biologists to progress to senior research scientist and management-level positions. Find out more about the career pathway of marine scientists here.
You can search available roles in marine biology on Marine Jobs, our portal for jobseekers in the marine sector.
What else can you do to improve your employability?
Joining a professional institute, such as the IMarEST, provides you with a range of benefits and services that are tailored to your point in your career, to support your professional development, raise your profile and connect you with other like-minded professionals from around the world.
You could also gain relevant experience by volunteering. Many non-governmental organisations run conservation research expeditions that you can gain practical fieldwork skills and research skills, whilst also having a once-in-a-lifetime experience.