Do you love living by the shores?? Do you love exploring marine life?? Like to admire their beauty and grace?? Love dolphins and whales??? Love deep sea diving?? Love flora and fauna under water?? Have interest in doing research on marine life?? Look at the creatures under water and see what they are doing???? Then start your career as a MARINE BIOLOGIST……..

Marine biologists are the people who study, works, protects and manage marine organisms be it microbes, plants or animals.

There are many functions that a marine biologist performs. Few of them are:

●     they study the fish population under water

●     preserve marine wildlife

●     protect the organisms

●     record information about the marine organisms

●     analysis of raw data

●     performs tests on under water organisms

●     testing of equipments before using it

To be a marine biologist is not at all an easy task. It requires lot of hard work. You should have that zeal within you; the zeal to explore marine life and to study about them. Most of the time you should be working outdoors; you should have interest to do the repetitive things. You should think on new ideas and explore them. The working conditions also vary.

There are a lot of requirements needed in the career of a marine biologist. The marine biologist should have the necessary experience in its field. Every individual opting a career in marine biologist will have the necessary degree but what matters the most is the experience, because it is only the experience people that are preferred. So before you select this career, try to discover and observe marine life yourself on beaches. Learn more about the creatures.

If we look at the profession of marine biologist then we can very well analyze its diversity. If individuals are interested in a career as marine biologist then in my opinion it’s a proud decision to be made but they should analyze its pros and cons beforehand. It’s a growing profession with lots of learning and experiences. In today’s time this subject should be given lots of attention.

The career growth of a marine biologist is not much. Currently the jobs for marine biologists are fewer. There are many other disciplines in science which focus on marine life; so very less opportunities in marine biology. Adding to this problem there are universities which don’t provide the course of marine biology.

But there are industries which provide jobs for marine biologists. Some suitable careers for a marine biologist could be:

●       In a water company

●       In leisure industries

●       In pharmaceuticals industries

●       With some coastal authorities

●       Marine research firms

●       Academics (as a lecturer of marine biology)

●       Do some projects on coastal ecosystems, aquaculture etc

●       Can go to the position of a general biologist

●       In government firms as a  marine biologist or research associate

●       In nature conservation and environmental management

●       As a marine illustrator

●       Environmental consultant

●       Natural resource manager

●       Environmental lobbyist

●       Biotechnology specialist

●       Fisheries biologist

●       Naturalist

●       Aquarium employee

Other than this there are many industries and firms which hire marine biologists. It is said that if you choose your career with interest than it fascinates you. You can put your best if you like this as a career.

Marine biologists are also contributing to the human life in many ways. Humans are totally dependent on the natural ecosystem for food, water, medicines and other important materials. Many of these resources are found directly in the oceans. There are a lot of things about marine life which is still not discovered. The marine biologists help in knowing those things.

Marine biologists are also specializing in the area of biomedical and develop and tests drugs many of which are obtained from marine organisms.

As discussed above a marine biologist have to perform several tasks. Their working conditions also vary as their job is very demanding. Most of their time is spent outdoors doing research, testing’s and trying new equipments on the marine organisms and plants. A marine biologist spends great deal of time in libraries, on computers and in laboratories testing the flora and fauna under water.

Some important roles performed by a marine biologist are:-

●     be focused on their observations and research

●     perform controlled experiments on the marine animals

●     strictly work according to the marine guidelines and norms

●     work on rescue missions to protect animals and plants

●     protect the endangered species

●     estimate the population of species and keep a track record

●     Keeps on analyzing the changing structures of the species and work out for the factors responsible for it.

●     Advice the people and generate awareness among them regarding the marine life.

●     Write reports, research papers and present them in front of the audience.

●     provide training to the individuals interested in marine biology

●     recommend and provide information to preserve the marine life and harvest policies

●     attend meetings and conferences related to marine biology

●     participate in workshops and meetings related to marine management

The marine biologist handles different roles and responsibilities. Whatever data they obtain through their research is used further to devise measure for conserving the environment. The marine biologist can also work in aquarium.  They could easily understand the behavioral traits of the aquatic organisms. The marine biologists are also responsible for spreading information they have collected through their research.

They also keep a track on the toxic content in the oceans and seas. The study of toxic content is called as toxicology. By this, they could get an idea about the wastes dumped in the oceans and seas.

Some marine biologists also work in the tourism sector. There they could help the tourists to know more about the aquatic creatures in general. The marine biologist is also responsible for coordinating activities like dolphin watching, scuba diving, boating etc.

To be a marine biologist the basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree in science with biology as the main subject. Here the main focus is on experience; so at entry level the graduate degree will do. More important thing is to have a good experience in marine biology. Later on you can go for master’s degree in marine and environmental sciences. Masters degree is useful for those who want to enter research and advanced study in marine education.

Other relevant educational and training skills could be:

●     certificate for advanced open water SCUBA diving

●     experience in research on aquatic animals and plants

●     boating skills

●     Should be physically fit. It is very necessary because maximum times a marine biologist has to be outdoors.

●     technically proficient and should have knowledge on marine conservation and coral reef conservation

●     complete knowledge of ocean tides and the areas which it effects

●     excellent communication skills ( both verbal and written)

●     excellent organizational skills

●     impressive leadership skills

●     flexible, innovative and can work in teams

●     problem solving skills

●     analytical mind

●     publishing of experimental reports

●     skills of building networking with other scientists and biologists

Continuous studies and training is required if you are opting for marine biology. Besides this the marine biologists should also have thorough knowledge of aquatic diseases, biology oceanography, marine ecology, marine conservation, marine resources, management and marine mammalogy.

One can also decide to specialize in fields of oceanic history, biological oceanography, molecular studies and aquatic restoration by opting for marine biology. The students can also undergo field work studies and lab training which will help them to attain a balanced education in their chosen field.

Marine biologist is a rewarding career but still it is a very tough job. It may take years to be perfect in this job. Rigorous training and practice is required to get success in this area. The marine biologists should have a positive attitude and genuine commitment towards their work.

Talking about the salary the average salary for a marine biologist is around 50,000 USD with experience. More the experience more the salary hikes. In some cases Marine biologist with an experience of 10-15 years can earn up to 90,000 USD annually. Since there are different environments to work for a marine biologist so their salary also vary according to it.

Marine Biologists working as a researcher in government and non-profit organization can earn in the range of 60.000 USD and 70,000 USD.

Other benefits a marine biologist can get are-retirement savings and sometimes extra benefits for the work in terms of incentives or bonuses.