Marine Biologist

Salary
Graduate: £17,000 - £20,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £25,000 - £60,000

Main Employers

• Water companies
• Coastal authorities
• Government and university marine research laboratories
• Marine resources industry
• Leisure industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Charities and pressure groups 
• Government and environmental agencies 
• Conservation groups 
• Fisheries and fish farms 
• Oil companies

Job Profile
Marine biologists study all aspects of plant and animal life in the world’s oceans. They study the distribution, abundance and interaction of animals and plants in the sea and the way in which these relate to environmental factors or human activities. Marine biologists monitor the sea's resources to determine if they are being overused, endangered or exploited, helping determine what sustainable management practices need to be implemented.

The eventual aim of marine biology is to understand marine life and to ensure the production of food from the sea at a sustained level. Predictions can be made about how marine ecosystems will cope with changes such as global warming, pollution, pressure from fisheries and damage caused by tourism in sensitive areas. Some marine biologists work closely with geologists to examine fossil marine organisms, which can give important clues about climate conditions in the past.

Marine biologists rarely work with large marine mammals such as whales and dolphins - that type of work is mainly the domain of zoologists. Marine biologists often work at the opposite end of the size spectrum, analysing, classifying and counting bacteria, plankton, algae, shrimps, worms and fish larvae.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

• Assessing the impact of pollution, the disposal of hazardous waste at sea, oil installations and other industry, coastal defences, tidal barrages, sewage, tourism, disposal of structures and ships, and environmental changes on the marine environment
• Predicting future fish stocks using computer models to inform decisions about imposing fishing controls to protect certain species 
• Studying the impact on sea life of low-level radiation from a nuclear plant 
• Teaching in classrooms, museums or by writing for magazines, television or films 
• Analysing and interpreting data, then writing reports on the findings 
• Providing specialist advice to organisations  
• Working closely with scientists from other disciplines, such as ecologists, geneticists or biochemists

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Marine Biology; Oceanography and Physics.

It is possible to do a degree in any of the biological sciences (for example, molecular biology could enhance career prospects), and then go on to specialise in marine biology with a Masters or PhD.
Technical support roles exist which need A levels (or equivalent) in biology, maths, geography or another science subjects. After some years' experience, it may be possible to become directly involved in research. Direct entry to research posts need a relevant degree postgraduate qualification.

Scuba diving qualifications are not generally needed by marine biologists, though may come in handy if you are interested in certain types of shallow water biology. Arranging some relevant work or voluntary experience will help to demonstrate commitment to universities or employers.

Career Development
Around 13,000 people in the UK work as marine biologists. Some growth in employment opportunities is expected but only a small number of openings occur in this field each year. Vacancies do not keep pace with the large number of marine biologists who graduate each year worldwide and considerable competition should be expected for basic research positions.

After gaining experience in the field, some marine biologists set up their own consultancies, or work freelance. There are many opportunities to work abroad.