3. Related Occupations Marine Educator Science Writer Filmmaker Photographer Ecotourism guide Park ranger Beach superintendent Maritime or environmental lawyer Coastal or ocean policy experts Aquavet (veterinarians that specialize in marine or aquatic animals) Economist Marine Archaeologist
4. Job Description As a marine biologist, there are a variety of positions. Some of them require specializing in a specific field, while others are an overall expertise. Marine biologists are supposed to research the sea, to study its life forms and their interaction with land, atmosphere, and ocean floor. It includes studying and exploring some different aspects of ocean life. These include marine plant and animal life, ocean currents and its effect on life forms, rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals as well as preservation of the marine environment and various species of plants and animals in the oceans. The information they get from these studies are handed over the administration to take required measures to save marine environment. A marine biologist can work in many different environments, ranging from office or laboratory work to assignments out in the field. These activities include conducting research in laboratory as well as on field, managing projects, analyzing data and interpreting it, preparing detailed reports for assessment, preparing research papers and presenting them. It also includes conducting various awareness programs to educate people about the problems and dangers humans have caused marine life.
5. Education or Training Required Marine biologists must have training in all areas of performing research. This includes collecting specimen, conducting experiments, compiling information and recording results. This type of training is provided during most college programs relating to any of the biological sciences. The amount of the research a marine biologist wants to perform will determine the amount of the education they should receive. A master’s degree and bachelor's degree are appropriate for some types of career paths for a marine biologist. Although, in order to conduct independent studies, teach college-level courses at a university or advance to high positions within a laboratory, a Ph.D. (Doctorate) is required. Students of marine biology should also concentrate in the areas of science, math, and computer.
6. Earnings per year A marine biologist’s salary depends on various factors, major ones being the company you are joining, the post you occupy, the place you are based at, your experience, academic performance, etc. On an average a marine biologist can earn between $30,000 to $80,000 per year. After graduating and getting a job, the median salary for marine biologists in the United States as of 2006 was $76,320 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
7. 5 Places to get Training The schools in the University of California (UC) system including UCLA (Los Angeles) and UCSB (Santa Barbara). Hawaii Pacific University University of South Florida University of Miami University of South Carolina
8. Skills or interests As a marine biologist you need to be good with math, science, and computers. You need to like animals and the ocean. Also, adventurous and good with animals. You need to care about the life of animals and the marine life. Marine Biologists need to be schooled in Biology, Marine Life, Marine Environment, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and other similar subject areas. Marine Biologists frequently work on ocean research vessels, and might be involved in undersea diving, to find their research. Therefore, they need to be physically fit, and trained and skilled in safe diving practices. Marine Biologists also need to be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of focusing for long periods of time, since their work might involve difficult calculations and formulas, intense visual inspections, dissections, and other similarly demanding tasks.
9. Why this career interests me… I like animals and the ocean. I care about animals and the environment. I would fit this career because I am organized and good with math and science. I also enjoy swimming and helping animals.
