About Marine Biologists

For many, a marine biologist is nothing more than a glorified term for a dolphin or whale trainer at Sea World. But being a marine biologist extends far deeper than merely teaching Shamu how to leap out of the water at the appropriate time; it is possessing knowledge of the entire field of marine organisms. In fact, the majority of marine biologists don't even work directly with the larger mammals like dolphins and whales. More often than not, marine biologists work on the other end of the spectrum with the minuscule marine life forms like plankton, bacteria and algae.

The Facts

First and foremost, marine biologists study the ecology and life of marine organisms. Their range of focus can extend from the largest mammals on Earth to the most minuscule, fleck-sized life forms. Generally, a marine biologist holds advanced degrees in life sciences, which come in handy for finding a job in this considerably competitive field that offers few job positions, unless you are willing to work for free with one of the various non-profit organizations. Not only are there few job opportunities, marine biologists are typically not paid well, only ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. Holding an advanced degree will increase a marine biologist's chances of being paid at the higher end of that range. Given the relatively small amount of compensation, this is a career choice of passion.
Most marine biologists spend a significant amount of time outdoors at sea engaged in research on ships or in coastal waters on smaller boats. For a lover of outdoors and the ocean, it's a perfect career choice.

Function

Marine biologists study saltwater plants and animals and their environment--how they develop, relate to one another and adapt to the environment. Part of a marine biologist's job responsibilities is studying and analyzing the diverse aspects of ocean life; rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals, examining animal life in tide pools; and preserving certain endangered species.
Basically, everything from tiny layers of surface water in which tiny organisms may be trapped to the cavernous depths of mile deep trenches falls into the realm of a marine biologist. Many marine biologists also teach in classrooms, at exhibits in museums or by writing for magazines, films and TV programs. Others work in aquariums to ensure the fish population remains healthy and comfortable in their confined living space.

Identification

A marine biologist can find employment all over the world and is usually an expert swimmers and scuba diver. Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D diplomas in biology, marine biology and/or chemistry typically adorn a marine biologist's wall.
More often than not, you will find a marine biologist located in or near an ocean studying the origins, behaviors, diseases, genetics and life processes of the organisms living in the marine environment.

Expert Insight

With the recent rise in environmentally conscious behavior, there has been an increased interest in the conservation of the ocean. This increased interest has generated a need for more marine biologists within private and government environmental protection and resource management agencies. This is likely to continue as long as the trend toward environmentally conscious behavior remains at the forefront.

Significance

Marine biologists play a significant role in protecting the Earth's precious marine organisms and their environment. Through their studies and analyses, marine biologists are able to determine how marine ecosystems will cope with changes such as global warming, pollution, pressure from fisheries and damage caused by tourism in sensitive areas, like coral reefs, where just one touch by a human can destroy a fragile ecosystem.
In addition, marine biologists can also team with scientists in other fields to determine how the fields of study relate to one another and affect one another, such as working with geologists to determine climate conditions of the past through marine fossil analysis.