Marine biologists study all different kinds of marine life, both in their natural habitats and in captivity. They learn about their habitats, behaviour, anatomy, and any diseases and environmental factors that might impact them. They then record this knowledge and use it to develop conservation programs and provide advice and guidance to industry.
If you love animals and the ocean, are inquisitive and analytical, and want to help protect marine life for future generations, becoming a marine biologist could be perfect for you.
What skills do I need as a marine biologist?
- Analytical & thorough
- Excellent communication skills
- Great problem-solver
- Attention to detail
- Curious & inquisitive
- Environmentally conscious
- Critical thinker
- Works well in teams & independently
What does the job involve?
- Collecting samples for testing
- Observing marine life behaviour in the wild & in captivity
- Assessing the effects of pollution & disease
- Observing & minimising the impact of introduced species
- Writing up findings for publication
- Developing long-term programs to reduce environmental harm
- Advising industry bodies (fisheries, etc) on more sustainable practices
- Educating the public about marine life & issues
What industries do marine biologists typically work in?
- Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
- Public Administration & Safety
- Education & Training
What Career Cluster do marine biologists belong to?
Marine biologists’ work involves analysing data, educating others about their findings, and providing expert guidance, making them excellent Informers.
What kind of lifestyle can I expect?
Most marine biologists work full-time, and while many roles follow standard business hours, some research projects may require evening, weekend, or holiday work.
You can expect to earn an above average salary throughout your career.
The work can be physically demanding, especially during fieldwork which may require diving, working in challenging weather conditions, or spending extended periods at sea.
How to become a marine biologist
You’ll typically need a university degree to work as a marine biologist. For research or academic positions, you’ll usually need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Marine Science, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications can also be advantageous.
Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or research assistant positions during your studies is also extremely valuable.
Many employers also expect you to have additional qualifications, such as diving certifications, first aid qualifications, or boat licenses.
What can I do right now to work towards this career?
If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a Marine Biologist is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:
- See if you can talk to a marine biologist or watch videos and find out what a day in their life is like.
- Find work experience at an aquarium, reef tour operator, or even at a university. This will help you get a feel for the kind of work you might be doing.
- Start working on qualifications you can get now, such as first aid and diving qualifications.
Where can I find more information?
You can learn more about careers as a marine biologist through these organisations:
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
- Australian Marine Sciences Association
- New Zealand Marine Sciences Society
- Marine Biological Association (UK)
- North Pacific Marine Science Organization
- MarineBio Conservation Society (US)
- Marine Education and Research Society (Canada)
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- Diving Instructor
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- Tour Guide
- Microbiologist
- Lab Technician
- Park Ranger
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