Under The Deep Blue Sea: A Career In Marine Biology

Marine biologists study marine organisms in their natural habitats i.e the ocean, and even the ocean itself. They investigate aquatic life behaviors or physiology and assess the condition of habitats, and the effects of human activity on those animals and habitats.

As part of their research, they conduct species inventories, test and monitoring aquatic life exposed to pollutants, collect and test ocean samples, preserve specimens and samples of unknown species and diseases, and mapping the distribution, ranges, or movements of marine populations. Their studies sustain oceanic ecosystems, which will allow fish, coral, and other organisms to flourish for many years to come.

They also have to advise organisations on alternative industrial practices to minimize negative effects on marine species and habitats. They also have to communicate their findings and recommendations by writing reports and scientific journal articles. Their job titles will typically include wildlife biologist, zoologist, fish and wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, aquatic biologist, conservation biologist, and biological technician.

Marine Biologists also boast of a scuba diving certification. This doesn’t mean that you’re going to be scuba diving all the time, but it may be one of your core job roles and an essential part of your research activities if your career is literally in the water! You will most likely be employed by academic research institutions, environmental NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), conservation charities, or state or federal government agencies. Expect your employers to be located in some of the most exotic locations in the world. Here are some of the key job responsibilities of a Marine Biologist –

• Review research and literature relating to current discoveries in the field
• Collect field and control samples of biological samples and non-living media in order to perform analyses
• Research the behaviour and relationships among organisms in the marine environment
• Analyze the evolution and distribution of organisms and their environment in the ocean
• Use and maintain instrumentation used to track organisms and measure the properties of the environment
• Analyze the diversity and health of various components of the marine environment
• Consult and work to rebuild damaged marine ecosystems

A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required for entry-level marine biology research jobs, like for those at private research organizations and biotechnology companies. Doctoral degrees are usually required for faculty positions and other jobs that are largely intensive-research based.

Top Colleges offering Marine Biology courses are:

Study Abroad

• James Cook University, Australia
• University of Winchester, United Kingdom
• University of Tampa, USA
• Boston University, USA
• The University of Western Australia, Australia

India

• Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala.
• Karnatak University, Karnataka.
• Andhra Pradesh University, Waltair.
• Pondicherry University, TamilNadu.
• College of Science and Technology, Andhra Pradesh