Marine Biologists: A Life Of Traveling And Researching

Marine biology is a fascinating field that involves the study of plants and animals in saltwater environments. It is a diverse profession, with marine biologists working in various settings, including in the field, in laboratories, and even in remote locations around the world. For those interested in pursuing a career in marine biology, one appealing aspect is the potential for travel and exploration. The amount of travel a marine biologist undertakes depends on their specific role and area of expertise. While some may work primarily in labs or aquariums, others may specialise in migratory patterns or deep-sea research, requiring extensive travel and time spent in the field.

Marine biologists can travel to remote locations for fieldwork

Marine biologists can find themselves travelling to some of the world's most remote locations for fieldwork. The amount of travel involved in the job depends on the type of marine life being studied. For example, working in a lab or at an aquarium will involve little to no travel. However, studying the migration of whales or conducting deep-sea research will require extensive travel and time spent away from home.

Research biologists, for instance, travel frequently for conferences and field-based courses. Fieldwork locations for marine biologists can include the ocean, salt marshes, beaches, and estuaries. They may work on boats, scuba dive, or use submersible vessels to study marine life. They might also start by collecting specimens in these environments and then take them back to an aquarium or lab for further observation and research.

Some marine biologists focus on a single species, while others study larger environments and habitats. Their work can involve teaching at universities and colleges, as well as working for government agencies, non-profit organisations, private businesses, aquariums, and zoos.

It is important to note that, despite the allure of travel, most marine biologists spend a significant amount of time working with data and in laboratories. Their daily work involves data collection and analysis, with databases, statistics, and software like Excel being integral tools. Therefore, aspiring marine biologists should have realistic expectations and be prepared for a mix of fieldwork and laboratory or office-based work.

They can work in labs, aquariums, or zoos

Marine biologists who work in labs, aquariums, or zoos may not travel as much as their counterparts who work in the field. For example, if you work in a lab, you will likely do very little travelling. Your work will be more stationary, involving data collection and analysis, with databases, statistics, and Excel being integral to your daily tasks.

However, even for those working in labs, some travel may still be required. For instance, you may need to collect specimens from the field to bring back to the lab for study. Or, you may be required to travel for conferences or field-based courses.

For those working in aquariums, your position will likely be based at the aquarium facility. However, this doesn't mean that you won't travel at all. Similar to lab-based marine biologists, you may travel for conferences or to collect specimens. Additionally, if you work with a specific type of marine life, such as tropical fish, your travel may be focused on the regions where those species are found.

Zoo-based marine biologists may also have less opportunity for travel, as their work is centred on the zoo's location. Nevertheless, travel may still be a part of the job, whether it's for conferences, fieldwork to study and collect specimens, or to collaborate with other zoos and aquariums.

While working in labs, aquariums, or zoos may entail less travel than field-based positions, it's important to remember that travel can still be a part of these roles, and the opportunity for travel should not be the sole motivating factor in choosing a career in marine biology.

They study a wide range of marine life, from whales to plankton

Marine biologists study a diverse range of marine organisms, from large marine mammals to microscopic creatures. They investigate the biology, behaviour, ecology and interactions of these organisms within their ecosystems. This includes the study of ocean currents, nutrient cycles, food webs and habitat structures.

One of the most popular groups of animals studied by marine biologists is the marine mammals. This includes whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, walruses, sea otters, polar bears, manatees and dugongs. Marine biologists may focus on understanding the biology and behaviour of these creatures, as well as finding ways to protect them and determine their impact on fisheries. For example, studying the migration of whales may require extensive travel to remote locations.

Marine biologists also study marine birds, or "seabirds," such as penguins, pelicans, albatrosses, petrels, cormorants, gulls, terns and puffins. These birds depend on the oceans for their food and use their wings to swim rather than fly. Most penguin species are found in the southern hemisphere.

Invertebrates, or animals without backbones, are another area of study for marine biologists. This encompasses a wide range of creatures, from giant squid and mussels to lobsters, crabs, and the elusive vampire squid. Some invertebrates, like octopuses, are known for their intelligence and tool use.

Additionally, marine biologists study marine mollusks and arthropods, such as octopuses, squids, shellfish, snails, shrimp, crabs and lobsters. Arthropods, in particular, make up the largest phylum of animals on Earth, and their exoskeletons or outer skeletons are unique.

Finally, marine biologists also focus on microscopic organisms, including plankton, microbes, and phytoplankton. Phytoplankton, for example, forms the basis of most ocean food webs and produces a significant portion of the world's oxygen.

They use various tools, including underwater cameras and sonar

Marine biologists use a variety of tools and methods to study life in the ocean, including underwater cameras and sonar. These tools enable them to collect data, samples, and visuals of marine organisms and their environments, contributing to our understanding of oceanography and marine biology.

Underwater cameras, also known as video cameras, are a crucial tool for marine biologists. These cameras can be mounted on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or submersibles, providing a clear view of the ocean depths. They capture images and videos of marine life, including fish, corals, and other deep-sea creatures, aiding in species identification and behaviour analysis.

Sonar, an acronym for Sound Navigation and Ranging, is another essential technology employed by marine biologists. It utilizes sound waves to locate and identify objects underwater. Active sonar emits acoustic signals and detects reflections, while passive sonar listens for noises from marine animals, ships, or submarines, making it valuable for naval operations. Sonar technology assists in mapping the ocean floor, detecting objects like shipwrecks, and measuring water depth.

In addition to these tools, marine biologists also utilize various sampling devices, such as plankton nets and trawls, to collect plants, animals, and water samples for further examination. They may also employ hydrophones to detect underwater noise and satellite technology to gather data on sea surface temperature, ocean colour, and circulation patterns.

The combination of these tools and technologies enables marine biologists to gain a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, contributing to research, conservation, and the advancement of knowledge in the field of marine biology.

Marine biology jobs are competitive and may not always pay well

Marine biology is the study of saltwater and ocean ecosystems and the wildlife that lives within them. It is a broad field that covers the study of marine organisms, their behaviours, and their interactions with the environment. Marine biology jobs are highly competitive and may not always pay well.

Firstly, it is important to note that marine biology jobs are in high demand and, therefore, very competitive. This means that even with extensive qualifications and experience, finding a position in this field can be challenging. To increase your chances of securing a job, it is recommended to gain relevant experience and build a strong network of connections. Volunteering, interning, or working in entry-level positions can provide valuable experience and increase your chances of being hired.

Additionally, while some marine biology jobs offer high salaries, others may not provide compensation that reflects the level of education and experience required. The salary for marine biology positions can vary depending on factors such as the exact role, experience, qualifications, location, and specific duties. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2016, the median annual salary for an established marine biologist was $60,000. However, salaries can range from unpaid internships to $110,000 per year.

It is worth noting that some marine biology jobs may be funded by grants and governmental funding, which can impact salary levels and the availability of positions. Despite this, marine biology can be a rewarding career for those passionate about the ocean, marine life, conservation, and exploration. The opportunity to work outdoors, travel to beautiful places, and make a positive impact on the environment are often cited as perks of the job.

Furthermore, marine biology offers a diverse range of career paths, including research, education, conservation, policy-making, and industry roles. Those interested in pursuing a career in marine biology should be prepared for competition and potential financial constraints. However, the field offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding and conservation of marine ecosystems, making it a rewarding choice for those dedicated to the protection of our planet's precious resources.

Frequently asked questions