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<\/figure>\nWhat is a marine biologist?<\/h2>\n
The role of a marine biologist is to study marine animals, plants, and other organisms to gain a deeper understanding of underwater ecosystems. It\u2019s important work, not least in the fight against marine habitat loss and the impact that climate change is continuing to have on all aquatic life.<\/p>\n
Of course, there isn\u2019t a singular form of marine biology; the profession has tons of unique offshoots and areas that you may wish to specialise in. Some of the typical roles you might find in the broader field of marine biology include:<\/p>\n
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- Marine biology researcher or assistant<\/li>\n
- Marine biology technical assistant<\/li>\n
- Zoologist\/aquarist<\/li>\n
- Fishery manager<\/li>\n
- Marine ecology consultant<\/li>\n
- Reef restoration specialist<\/li>\n
- Oil spill response expert<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It\u2019s not all scuba diving, coasteering and jetting around the world on speed boats, either. Depending on your role, you could just as easily be working behind a desk or in a laboratory \u2013 it all depends on your area of expertise and the skills and experiences you gain as part of your studies.<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\nWhat does a marine biologist do?<\/h2>\n
Becoming a marine biologist sounds like a very cool job on paper. But what does the role actually look like day to day? And what can you expect to be doing?<\/p>\n
Although your responsibilities will be very different depending on the area you end up working in, typical duties might include things like\u2026<\/p>\n
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- Carrying out risk assessments of prospective coastal and riverside developments, evaluating the impact this could have on local marine life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Gathering information from fishermen and local authorities about how particular waterways are used and the types of aquatic animals typically found there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Counting and categorising animal species within a particular area to monitor local populations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Coordinating large-scale marine restoration projects, particularly in areas threatened by habitat loss due to human interference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Analysing samples in a laboratory to report on particular environmental factors and water toxicity levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Remember, these are just a few examples of the types of things you may be doing as a marine biologist; your role could look very different should you choose to branch out into a particular field of marine biology.<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\nWhy would you want to be a marine biologist?<\/h2>\n
Are you still umming and ahhing whether to pursue a career as a marine biologist? Perhaps you\u2019re interested but aren\u2019t yet ready to take the leap and fully commit to the profession? That\u2019s perfectly OK, but here are some of the benefits and highlights that could help seal the deal for you\u2026<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll get to work with marine animals<\/h3>\n
Let\u2019s face it: most people become marine biologists for the chance to work with animals, whether that\u2019s fish, birds, or mammals. Granted, you may not get to do that right at the start of your career, but by setting yourself up with the right skills, experience, and qualifications, you\u2019ll be well-placed to work side by side with your favourite species in the future.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll contribute to the fight against climate change and habitat loss<\/h3>\n
Never before has the field of marine biology been as important. Now, scientists are not only focusing their efforts on learning more about underwater life but also on how to safeguard it for the future. And since marine biology is all about learning how different factors impact marine life, you\u2019ll be very much a part of the ongoing battle against climate change and aquatic habitat loss.<\/p>\n
You can expect a varied and challenging career<\/h3>\n
From the laboratory to the cliff face, the depths of the ocean to the lecture theatre; who knows where your career as a marine biologist will take you! With so many different areas to specialise in and pursue, you can look forward to a wonderful and varied career \u2013 and the potential for an adventure or two.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll get to travel<\/h3>\n
OK, so this benefit isn\u2019t nailed on by any means, but it\u2019s not beyond the realm of possibility that your career as a marine biologist could see you travelling the world. From reef restoration projects in the tropics to species inventory and research work in the polar regions, there\u2019s always the possibility of travel in the field of marine biology, so if that sounds up your alley, it could be the perfect profession for you.<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\nWhat qualifications do I need to be a marine biologist?<\/h2>\n
You\u2019ll almost always need a degree to pursue a career as a marine biologist, specifically in a marine biology-related subject. Indeed, if you achieve a general science-related BSc, you may need to sit an additional marine-related postgraduate course to stand any chance of becoming a full-time marine biologist.<\/p>\n
Happily, if you decide early on that marine biology is something you\u2019d like to pursue as a career, there are a handful of BSc degree programmes that are well-recognised within the profession. These include marine biology, marine science, oceanography, and coastal ecology, to name but a few.<\/p>\n
Of course, your career as a marine researcher and biologist may naturally lead you to pursue other qualifications, with many of the best biologists going on to attain postgrad qualifications and PhDs. There are also a range of other vocational courses that may help your career, including diving skills and boating programmes, while work placements and sandwich courses are also not uncommon within the field of marine biology.<\/p>\n
We hope this guide helps you decide if a career in marine biology is right for you \u2013 it\u2019s certainly a rewarding and varied proposition. In the meantime, why not pay a visit to Blue Planet Aquarium and meet some of the animals you could be working with in the future? <\/strong>Tap here to book your tickets<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
- Analysing samples in a laboratory to report on particular environmental factors and water toxicity levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Coordinating large-scale marine restoration projects, particularly in areas threatened by habitat loss due to human interference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Counting and categorising animal species within a particular area to monitor local populations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Gathering information from fishermen and local authorities about how particular waterways are used and the types of aquatic animals typically found there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Carrying out risk assessments of prospective coastal and riverside developments, evaluating the impact this could have on local marine life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n