Marine Biology About

Marine biologists are scientists who research life in the oceans and other saltwater environments such as estuaries and wetlands. They observe and analyze data, conduct experiments, rehabilitate injured marine animals and document the origins, behavior, genetics and diseases of marine life.

To ensure success, marine biologists should have meticulous attention to detail and demonstrate a keen interest in understanding and improving the marine environment and its ecosystem. Top candidates will have instinctive problem-solving skills and display confidence in practical assignments that involve boat handling, scuba diving and first aid knowledge.

Marine Biology
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Career Roles & Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a Marine Biologist are developed through university years, internships and volunteer opportunities, as well as entry-level jobs with a similar work environment. Marine Biologists have a specific set of duties and responsibilities that are unique to their job.

  • Develop and conduct research on the relationships of organisms in the marine environment.
  • Study characteristics of animals in the ocean like their species interaction, diseases, movement patterns, etc.
  • Analyze the effect of human activity on marine ecosystems.
  • Collect biological data and specimens to analyze.
  • Monitor and manage wildlife populations and invasive plants and animals.
  • Write research papers and articles explaining their findings.
  • Develop conservation plans and recommendations to policymakers and the public.
  • Conduct inventories, testing and monitoring of marine life exposed to pollutants.
  • Collect and analyze samples, and develop new theories based on this research.
  • Engage in coring techniques, geographic information systems (GIS), visual recording and sampling in order to determine the health of the marine environment.
  • Preserve specimens and samples of known and unknown species and diseases.
  • Track the distribution, ranges and/or movements of marine populations.
  • Scuba dive to survey endangered organisms and implementing preservation strategies.
  • Prepare detailed reports for agencies, funders, commercial organizations, government organizations or oil companies drilling on the seabed.
  • Communicate the latest findings on marine biology through academic publications, conferences or outreach.
  • Conduct environmental impact assessments that evaluate possible environmental impacts of proposed projects or developments.
  • Coordinate and track assignments, schedules and budgets.
  • Lecture on policy, planning and management of marine activities.
  • Conduct expeditions on fishing and research vessels in polar, temperate and tropical seas.
  • Provide policymakers with the scientific information needed to best manage the marine environment and advocate this in the policy process through government liaison, press and media.
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Career Education Path Summary

Certificate Course

The following is the certificate course for the marine biology course:

Course Name Duration
Certificate courses in Marine Biology 6 months

Undergraduate Course

The following is the undergraduate course for marine biology course:

Course Name Duration
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology 3 years

Postgraduate Courses

The following is the undergraduate course for the marine biology course:

Course Name Duration
Master of Science in Marine Biology 2 years
Master of Science (M.Sc.) 2 years
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Marine Biology 2 years

PhD Course

Course Name Duration
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marine Biology 3 year
Similar Careers
  • Aquatic Biologist
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Wild Biologist
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Fish and Wildlife Biologist
  • Zoologist
  • Biologist Technician, etc.
  • The average annual starting salary of a marine biologist in India is between INR 4.2 and  5 Lakhs. Foreign companies offer a starting package ranging between INR 9 and 12 Lakhs.

Pros:

  • Diverse working environments

  • Opportunities for positive environmental impact

  • Different career paths

  • Marine biology is an exciting field

  • Cons:

  • Educational requirements

  • Professional certifications and additional training

  • Challenging field and long hours

  • Emotional impact

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Career Pros Details
  • Diverse working environments

    Many marine biologists get to travel to diverse and beautiful locations all over the world. When doing research in the field many have to dive beneath the surface of the water, making their work days quite interesting and varied. In addition, some marine biologists can work in labs at universities or in the private sector for companies or corporations.

  • Opportunities for positive environmental impact

    Marine biologists have the chance to contribute to various environmental causes while working. Many can make significant differences in the areas of preservation and conservation of the environment and animal life. Marine biologists get to often document firsthand what challenges marine areas to face and also try to come up with innovative solutions.

  • Different career paths

    The career path of a marine biologist is not straightforward and it can lead to many different areas of work depending on a marine biologist's specializations and preferences. Some of the most common career paths in marine biology include academic research, environmental consulting, conservation advocacy, and government employment.

  • Marine biology is an exciting field

    Marine biologists get to travel often and conduct fieldwork in exotic and appealing locations. They also have the opportunity to use cutting-edge technology for research, discover new marine species, and contribute to mankind's understanding of water systems. Oceans are considered the last undiscovered frontier of the world with 80% still unexplored.

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Career Cons Details
  • Educational requirements

    It is relatively hard to become a marine biologist. This also depends on the specific marine biology position you want to obtain. The bare minimum educational requirement for a job in marine biology is a bachelor's degree in the field. However, many jobs require a master's or even a Ph.D. in marine biology to be considered.

    These degrees mean a longer education commitment and more scientific information to be learned and retained, as well as more difficult exams.

  • Professional certifications and additional training

    Many marine biologists must also obtain professional certifications in their field. Dive certification is often required for many positions. This means most marine biologists need training in scuba diving, and diving safety protocols.

  • Challenging field and long hours

    Marine biology is a fascinating field but also a challenging one, for one a marine biologist's role can often be physically demanding, and can also become further complicated due to factors out of their control, like extreme weather conditions. Many marine biologists, in both the lab and field environments, work over the traditional 40-hour work week.

  • Emotional impact

    Marine biologists can have negative emotional consequences. Two examples include many having to spend a considerable amount of time away from home and their families, and some experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression from confronting the negative impact that humans have on marine environments and the animals living within them.

  • Proven work experience as a Marine Biologist or similar role
  • Keen observation skills 
  • Good communication skills
  • Sound reasoning and judgment skills to draw conclusions from observations and research
  • Excellent interpersonal skills in working closely with others
  • University degree with formal aquatic research experience preferred
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