Marine biologists study organisms in the world’s oceans, ranging in size and complexity from viruses to whales. They examine how these organisms interact with the environment and with each other and measure the effects of human activities and environmental changes on marine ecosystems. Marine biology aims to:
- understand marine life better
- help make more accurate predictions about future changes to marine populations
- analyse how marine ecosystems will cope with changes such as global warming, pollution, ocean acidification, pressure from fisheries and tourism in sensitive areas
- ensure the production of food from the sea is maintained at a sustainable level.
Marine research is very diverse, largely due to the vastness of the oceans and the varied habitats and life forms existing in our seas.
Tasks that marine biologists may undertake include:
- collecting samples
- planning and running experiments
- developing, building or testing equipment
- carrying out raw data analysis
- writing reports on findings to present to other scientists and publish in scientific journals
- providing specialist advice to organisations of various kinds from government and water authorities to industry and environmental pressure groups.
Marine biologists might concentrate on a specific group of marine organisms or they could look more broadly at marine ecology and how different groups of organisms interact.
Examples of specialist research projects include:
- monitoring fish stocks and fishing patterns to help develop sustainable methods of harvesting food from the sea and inform decisions about imposing fishing controls to protect certain species
- tagging sharks to track their feeding patterns, movements and behaviours
- researching pollution and waste in the ocean and the impact on coastal areas and near shore marine life
- researching the effects of climate change on marine organisms
- working alongside geologists to examine fossil marine organisms to advance understanding of ecosystems that, in some cases, remain unexplored.
Much of the research may be carried out alone. However, marine biologists also work closely with scientists from other disciplines such as ecologists, geneticists or biochemists.
Hours and environment
Marine biologists divide their time between desk, laboratory and field study. They usually work normal office hours when analysing data gathered from field trips, but specific projects may require additional hours.
Longer hours are especially likely on field trips at sea, where as much research as possible is done in the time available and must fit around the weather. These trips may involve being away for several weeks or months, often in uncomfortable conditions.
Short-term contracts are common in marine biology.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Recent graduates may receive research-based funding, which can amount to a salary of €22,000 to €25,000 a year
- High-level research fellowships may pay between €25,000 and €30,000 a year.
- With several years’ specialist experience, senior marine biologists may earn €50,000 or more a year.
Skills and personal qualities
A marine biologist needs to have:
- practical and scientific ability
- good observation and questioning skills
- precision and attention to detail
- patience
- good written and verbal communication skills to convey results to others
- data analysis and interpretation skills
- excellent IT skills for capturing, storing and processing data
- a good level of physical fitness
- team working skills, especially on field trips which involve living and working alongside other scientists.
Interests
It is important to have an interest in:
- marine animal and plant life and the environment
- all areas of science.
Entry routes
Most entrants to scientific research positions are graduates who progress to study at a postgraduate level.
Some entrants take a degree in marine biology or oceanography. However, it can be equally valuable to study subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, maths, ecology, genetics, geology, geography, earth sciences, ocean and marine sciences and environmental science and then go on to specialise in marine biology with a Masters degree or PhD. In either case, gaining a first or upper second class degree is important for prospects of obtaining a postgraduate place later.
The main employers include marine laboratories, university research departments, government and environmental agencies, conservation groups, fisheries and fish farms, oil companies and other industries.
Useful Links:
Marine Institute
The Marine Biological Association