Marine Biologist
Useful Links
https://www.marinebio.org/creatures/marine-biology/
https://www.newscientist.com/nsj/article/how-to-become-a-marine-biologist
https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/
Job Profiles
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/marine-biologist
https://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/learning-at-the-aquarium/marine-biologist/
What is a marine biologist?
Marine biology is the study of all saltwater-based life forms, including ocean life and also life forms in saltwater lakes, from animals and plants through to microscopic organisms. Marine biologists are scientists that specialise in studying marine life forms and ecosystems.
Marine biology is a broad-ranging career. You could go into fieldwork, academic research, laboratory work, consulting, charity, outreach or policy making.
Within their jobs, marine biologists carry out a range of tasks and work in various environments, some of which can be quite unconventional. Some examples of common responsibilities and activities of marine biologists include:
Observing marine animals, plants, microorganisms or ecosystems
Data collection and analysing samples in laboratories
Mapping the behaviour of marine populations
Promoting marine preservation and sustainability
Conducting scientific research and writing research papers to publish their findings
Teaching undergraduate or postgraduate students
Speaking in conferences and other events to present research findings to the public
Managerial and administrative work
Job titles range from:
marine ecologist
dive operations manager
reef restoration project manager
marine biology technician
research assistant
aquaculture biologist
fishery data manager
environmental engineer
professor in marine ecology
postdoctoral research fellow
oil spill response specialist
consultant in marine ecology
marine biotechnologist
marine policy expert
marine conservation officer.
qualifications
To become a marine biologist, you'll need to study a marine-focused degree such as:
marine biology
marine biology and coastal ecology/oceanography
marine science
ocean and earth science
oceanography.
Postgraduate degrees specialising in marine biology range from a Masters in tropical marine biology to tropical coastal management and aquatic ecology and conservation. You can also take broader biology-focused Masters but select modules, thesis, and research projects focusing on marine biology.
If you're an undergraduate who wants to keep their career options open, you may prefer to study a more general science-based undergraduate degree and then take a Masters later on, to avoid specialising too early.
Prospects 2024
Employers
Marine scientists are employed by marine research institutes, universities, international organisations, commercial companies, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.
Employers include:
energy, oil and gas exploration firms involved in marine energy
fisheries and aquaculture organisations
engineering companies
marine environmental surveying consultancies
marine conservation and environmental consultancies
pollution and water control companies
statutory environmental protection agencies; find a list of government bodies and agencies responsible for nature conservation at Sustainability Exchange
public bodies, such as the Marine Management Organisation
marine research laboratories and agencies; check the list of national governmental agencies that deal with the oceans and the law of the sea at the UN's Division for Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea
not-for-profit organisations and NGOs such as Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, WWF, Earthwatch.org (UK-based), WildAid and Greenpeace
universities - leading UK universities in marine biology include Southampton, Plymouth, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Liverpool with roles including marine biology technicians, research assistants, research fellows, lecturers and professors
environmental research institutes
museums and aquariums
environmental and conservation charities and organisations
wildlife trusts - found in every county, see The Wildlife Trusts for more information
environmental research councils - NERC is the UK's main agency for funding and managing research, training and knowledge exchange in atmospheric, earth, biological, terrestrial and aquatic science.