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What does a Marine Biologist do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A marine biologist is someone who studies the plants and animals that live in the ocean. They may study the effects of pollution on the ocean, or the way that climate change is affecting the creatures that live there. Marine biologists might also work to protect endangered species, or to help people understand more about the amazing creatures that call the ocean home.

Marine Biologist job duties include:

  • Study aquatic ecosystems
  • Investigate the impact of human activity on marine life
  • Collect samples of water, plants, and animals for analysis
  • Study the behavior and physiology of marine organisms
  • Identify and catalog marine species
  • Write scientific reports on findings
  • Work with other scientists to develop conservation plans
  • Give lectures and presentations to raise awareness about marine life and ocean conservation
  • Serve as a consultant on projects affecting marine ecosystems
  • Work in a laboratory setting conducting experiments and analyzing data

Marine Biologist Job Requirements

A bachelor's degree in marine biology or a related field is the minimum educational requirement for a career as a marine biologist. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher. Marine biologists must be comfortable working in remote locations and in all types of weather conditions. They must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, as they often work with other scientists and present their findings to the public. Certification from the American Academy of Underwater Sciences is also preferred by many employers. Marine biologists typically have several years of experience working in the field before they are able to land a full-time, permanent position.

Marine Biologist Skills

  • Marine biology
  • Zoology
  • Ecology
  • Taxonomy
  • Physiology
  • Genetics
  • Evolution
  • Marine ecosystems
  • Coral reefs
  • Fisheries
  • Conservation

Related: Top Marine Biologist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Marine Biologist

There are many different types of marine biologists, but they all have one thing in common: a passion for the ocean and its inhabitants. Some marine biologists study the behavior of fish, while others may focus on the ecology of coral reefs. No matter what their specialty, marine biologists play an important role in understanding and protecting our oceans.

If you’re interested in becoming a marine biologist, you will need to start by earning a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Many marine biologists also have a master’s degree or higher. Once you have your degree, you can begin working as a research assistant or lab technician. With experience, you may be able to move into a position as a field researcher or even a professor.

Of course, a love for the ocean is essential for anyone considering a career as a marine biologist. If you’re not already an avid scuba diver or beachgoer, now is the time to start! There are many ways to get involved with ocean conservation, and you can learn more about the issues facing our oceans today by joining an organization such as The Ocean Conservancy or Greenpeace.

Related: Marine Biologist Resume Example

Related: Marine Biologist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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