Marine biology is the scientific study of marine life, organisms in the sea. Marine biologists study marine organisms, their behaviors, and interactions with the environment. They also study biological oceanography and the associated fields of chemical, physical, and geological oceanography to understand marine organisms. Marine biology is a broad area, so most researchers select a particular area of interest and specialize in it. Specializations can be based on a particular species, group, behavior, technique, or ecosystem. Marine biologists can observe patterns of animal behavior or diseases, and they can study the oceans themselves and humans’ connections to the oceans. Marine biology includes a wide variety of disciplines such as astronomy, cellular biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, meteorology, molecular biology, physical oceanography, and zoology. The study of marine biology also follows the scientific method, and research is usually conducted systematically and logically to narrow the inevitable margin of error that exists in any scientific study, and to avoid as much bias on behalf of the researcher as possible.
Marine biologists can work in various fields, including fieldwork, academic research, laboratory work, consulting, charity, outreach, or policy making. Some job titles for marine biologists include marine ecologist, dive operations manager, reef restoration project manager, marine biology technician, research assistant, fishery data manager, environmental engineer, professor in marine ecology, postdoctoral fellow, oil spill response specialist, and consultant in marine ecology. To become a marine biologist, one needs a marine-focused degree such as marine biology, marine biology and coastal ecology/oceanography, marine science, ocean and earth science, or oceanography. If the undergraduate degree is a broader-based science degree, a postgraduate degree in a marine-related study is necessary. Additional certifications such as an open-water SCUBA certification and First Aid/CPR certification can make one eligible for more career paths within the field.
