Marine Biologist
How to Become a Marine Biologist
Marine Biologist Job Duties
Skills and Qualities Needed to Become a Marine Biologist
Marine Biologist Salary
Influential Professionals in Marine Biologist Field
Leading Marine Biologist Organizations
Top Cities for Marine Biology Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Marine Biologist
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a marine biologist it is a good idea to take as much advanced math and science classes as you can in high school. Taking computer classes can be helpful as well.
Sometimes local zoos and aquariums have volunteer programs. You may not be able to get too close to the animals but you may have the opportunity to be around some of the marine life handlers who can provide some insight into what the job is like.
Be prepared to obtain not only a bachelor's degree but at least a master's as well. Try to decide what area you want to specialize in by the time you have earned your bachelor's so you can focus your graduate studies in that specialization.
Sometimes local zoos and aquariums have volunteer programs. You may not be able to get too close to the animals but you may have the opportunity to be around some of the marine life handlers who can provide some insight into what the job is like.
Be prepared to obtain not only a bachelor's degree but at least a master's as well. Try to decide what area you want to specialize in by the time you have earned your bachelor's so you can focus your graduate studies in that specialization.
What does a Marine Biologist do?
Marine Biology is a form of Biological Science. Marine biologists study ocean life and its relationship to the environment. Studies may be performed from boats, aquariums, coastal areas, or oceanography centers.
People often imagine marine biologists working with dolphins, whales, or other marine mammals. In truth, very few marine biologists work with marine mammals. While some do, the majority specialize in subjects people may consider less exciting such as marine plant life, coral reefs, fish populations, microscopic organisms, algae, reptiles, seabirds, and suchlike. While these may not seem as glamorous as working with large animals, they can be just as important and rewarding.
While many marine biologists engage in research activities, others are involved in teaching, writing, or even activism. Some marine biologists manage sanctuaries for marine life or devote their careers and lives to the protection of a specific species of marine life, or marine life in a specific region.
People often imagine marine biologists working with dolphins, whales, or other marine mammals. In truth, very few marine biologists work with marine mammals. While some do, the majority specialize in subjects people may consider less exciting such as marine plant life, coral reefs, fish populations, microscopic organisms, algae, reptiles, seabirds, and suchlike. While these may not seem as glamorous as working with large animals, they can be just as important and rewarding.
While many marine biologists engage in research activities, others are involved in teaching, writing, or even activism. Some marine biologists manage sanctuaries for marine life or devote their careers and lives to the protection of a specific species of marine life, or marine life in a specific region.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Marine Biologist?
Marine biologists are generally curious and inquisitive by nature. The work they do can be tedious, as can most research. Marine biologists must be able to pay great attention to detail. Also, strong written communication skills are important as they are often called upon to write reports on their research and findings.
As mentioned before, Marine biologists must complete a significant amount of schooling. Additionally, marine biology degree programs can be very competitive, so in order to ensure you can attend the program of your choice, it is important to maintain a high grade point average.
As mentioned before, Marine biologists must complete a significant amount of schooling. Additionally, marine biology degree programs can be very competitive, so in order to ensure you can attend the program of your choice, it is important to maintain a high grade point average.
How much does a Marine Biologist make?
The average annual salary for a marine biologist is $67,000. This can, of course, vary depending on various factors such as level of experience, area of expertise, and the type of employer.
Marine biologists working for the government or for a large private organization tend to earn higher salaries than those working for smaller groups. Most marine biologist positions include benefits that can also vary depending on the size and type of the employer. These benefits can include, but are not limited to, healthcare, paid vacation, and 401(k) or other retirement savings.
Marine biologists working for the government or for a large private organization tend to earn higher salaries than those working for smaller groups. Most marine biologist positions include benefits that can also vary depending on the size and type of the employer. These benefits can include, but are not limited to, healthcare, paid vacation, and 401(k) or other retirement savings.
Who are some leading professionals in this field?
Ali Ezzeldin Abdelghany is a renowned marine biologist from Egypt. He has worked in his country's Central Laboratory of Aquaculture Research as the head of its department of nutrition from 1986.
Uwe Kils is a renowned marine biologist from Germany who specializes in planktology (the study of plankton). He was a tenured professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey and has written a number of published works on his studies.
Cynthia D'Vincent is a marine biologist who has worked with the National Marine Fisheries Service studying marine mammals since 1974. She founded the Intersea Foundation in 1976 and, currently, still serves as their director.
Though no longer alive, the legacy of Jacques-Yves Cousteau (better known simply as Jacques Cousteau) is undeniable. He was a French marine biologist, ecologist and filmmaker (among many other occupations he held). He may very well be the most famous marine biologist of all time. Co-inventor of the aqua-lung, he devoted his life to the study of the creatures of the oceans and brought them into our living rooms and libraries with over 120 television documentaries and over 50 published books to his credit. Cousteau brought marine biology into the mainstream and helped inspire generations of biological scientists to come.
Uwe Kils is a renowned marine biologist from Germany who specializes in planktology (the study of plankton). He was a tenured professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey and has written a number of published works on his studies.
Cynthia D'Vincent is a marine biologist who has worked with the National Marine Fisheries Service studying marine mammals since 1974. She founded the Intersea Foundation in 1976 and, currently, still serves as their director.
Though no longer alive, the legacy of Jacques-Yves Cousteau (better known simply as Jacques Cousteau) is undeniable. He was a French marine biologist, ecologist and filmmaker (among many other occupations he held). He may very well be the most famous marine biologist of all time. Co-inventor of the aqua-lung, he devoted his life to the study of the creatures of the oceans and brought them into our living rooms and libraries with over 120 television documentaries and over 50 published books to his credit. Cousteau brought marine biology into the mainstream and helped inspire generations of biological scientists to come.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
The Intersea Foundation is a tax-exempt agency that was founded in 1976 by Cynthia D' Vincent. The foundation's state mission is "to create diverse educational opportunities to affect and influence public attitudes by developing a greater awareness of the sea, its inhabitants."
The National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) was formed in 1976. Their goal is to bring together "those interested in the study and enjoyment of both fresh and salt water and provides a focus for marine and aquatic studies all over the world." While they are not strictly related solely to marine biology, many of their members and contributors are marine biologists.
Marinebio, who can be found at www.marinebio.org touts themselves as "an evolving online tribute to ocean life an introduction to marine biology and what you need to know about marine conservation." They are "a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteer marine biologists, students, professors, and conservation advocates working to share the wonders of the ocean realm to inspire education, research and a sea ethic."
The National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) was formed in 1976. Their goal is to bring together "those interested in the study and enjoyment of both fresh and salt water and provides a focus for marine and aquatic studies all over the world." While they are not strictly related solely to marine biology, many of their members and contributors are marine biologists.
Marinebio, who can be found at www.marinebio.org touts themselves as "an evolving online tribute to ocean life an introduction to marine biology and what you need to know about marine conservation." They are "a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteer marine biologists, students, professors, and conservation advocates working to share the wonders of the ocean realm to inspire education, research and a sea ethic."
What are the top cities for Marine Biology jobs?
Marine biology is not always an easy field to enter. Additionally, many companies seeking to employ marine biologists recruit directly from colleges and respond to people who apply directly to them rather than placing want ads. With that in mind, Careerbuilder.com does currently list Topsham (Maine) as the top city for marine biologist jobs followed by South Burlington (Vermont) and San Antonio (Texas).
In truth, marine biologists can work wherever there is a natural body of salt water or a marine biology research center. Because marine biology jobs can be somewhat limited, it is probably a good idea to try to obtain employment first and then relocate to that city rather than move to a given city and then attempt to find a job.
In truth, marine biologists can work wherever there is a natural body of salt water or a marine biology research center. Because marine biology jobs can be somewhat limited, it is probably a good idea to try to obtain employment first and then relocate to that city rather than move to a given city and then attempt to find a job.
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