How to become a Marine Biologist
Marine biologists study the origin, structure, functions and behaviour of all forms of life in the sea and connected estuaries, rivers and lakes, as well as their relationships with each other and the environment.
Personal requirements for a Marine Biologist
- Interested in the marine environment and its inhabitants
- Analytical and problem-solving ability
- Good written communication skills
- Good mathematics skills
- Able to work as part of a team
- Caring and understanding
- Strong logical thinking skills
Education & Training for a Marine Biologist
To become a marine biologist you usually have to study marine or environmental biology, marine science, marine environment or a related field at university. You may also consider major streams that emphasise marine biology, such as aquaculture. A bachelor degree in science can then follow into a major in marine biology or science. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, earth and environmental science, biology and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Duties & Tasks of a Marine Biologist
Marine biologists:
- Estimate the number of marine organisms and analyse their population features
- Observe communities of marine organisms and determine the factors influencing their structure
- Assess and advise on the causes, effects, prevention and control of introduced species
- Use numerical and statistical skills to design laboratory and field experiments
- Design and carry out environmental impact assessments to determine whether change is caused by natural or human factors
- Participate in studies aimed at predicting the effects of proposed developments
- Develop long-term programs for monitoring environmental pollution
- Provide guidance to help manage fisheries
- Provide information and recommendations for the development of marine conservation and harvesting policies and programs, including aquaculture
- Write scientific reports on research and investigations, and prepare more general information for scientific, managerial, political and general audiences
- Provide advice to managers, politicians, primary producers, healthcare workers and the general public
- Provide research training for students and staff seeking entry to this field.
Tasks
- Plans and undertakes experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants.
- Investigates the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories.
Working conditions for a Marine Biologist
Marine biologists may be required to work both in a laboratory and for extended periods at sea or on shore-based field stations. Fieldwork may include working on commercial fishing vessels, on small inshore vessels or scuba diving. In many cases, much of the work of marine biologists involves office work, research, writing reports and long hours in laboratories.
Employment Opportunities for a Marine Biologist
Marine biologists are employed by state, territory and federal government departments such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), resource and environmental departments, as well as universities and museums. Some marine biologists also work in the aquaculture and fisheries industries or in environmental consulting firms.Job opportunities depend on the level of funding for marine research from governments and private industry, the occurrence of marine ecological problems and community awareness of environmental and conservation issues.
Specializations
Marine Ecologist
A marine ecologist studies the interrelationships between marine organisms and their environment.
Marine Biologist
Marine biologists study the origin, structure, functions and behaviour of all forms of life in the sea and connected estuaries, rivers and lakes, as well as their relationships with each other and the environment.
Marine Ecologist
A marine ecologist studies the interrelationships between marine organisms and their environment.
Average age
41
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
44% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
74%
Employment Size
760
Employment by state
ACT: 1.7%
NSW: 11.2%
NT: 2.6%
QLD: 33.0%
SA: 8.2%
TAS: 12.4%
VIC: 7.0%
WA: 24.1%
Age brackets
15-19: 0%
20-24: 4.2%
25-34: 23%
35-44: 35.3%
45-54: 22.6%
55-59: 7.8%
60-64: 4.1%
65 and Over: 3%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 1.7%
Bachelor degree: 37.8%
Certificate III/IV: 0.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 59.2%
Year 10 and below: 0%
Year 11: 0%
Year 12: 0.5%
