Marine Biologist

Also known as:

Biologist, Marine

Introduction

Marine biologists study plants, animals and micro-organisms that live in the sea. They take and test samples from organisms, to find out more about certain species and to see if they are affected by human activity.

Marine biologists look at environmental damage, for instance to coral reefs, and explore ways to make safe use of the sea's resources.

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Work Activities

Marine biologists gather samples and data at sea. For example, they may catch fish and see if they have absorbed dangerous levels of radiation from nuclear waste dumped at sea. In the laboratory, they use equipment like electron microscopes to look at the samples. They present significant findings in reports, scientific journals or at conferences. A long-term project may look at the effect of pollution from an oil refinery on marine life.

A huge number of organisms live in the seas and oceans; many have benefits for humans. For example, biologists have found anti-cancer compounds in some sponge types. There is a continuing need to find out more about marine life and the sea's resources.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be able to work as a member of a team, especially at sea. You will also need to be able to work alone for long periods. You will need patience and steady hands to dissect microscopic organisms. Physical fitness is important for fieldwork.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for marine biologists vary.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Marine biologists earn in the range of £21,000 - £25,000 a year, rising to £31,500 - £42,000. Higher earners can make around £50,500 a year.

Marine biologists usually work 35-39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and weekend work may be required.

The National Environment Research Council (NERC), Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS - based at Oban), environmental organisations, sea life centres and aquaria, university research departments, fisheries and fish farms employ marine biologists.

Government departments including Admiralty Research Establishments, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Scottish Government Environment and Rural Affairs Department may have research posts.

There are few opportunities for marine biologists and competition for places is fierce.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have skills and abilities gained in relevant fieldwork in a marine environment.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

The Open University offers a BSc degree in Natural Sciences with Biology, by distance learning.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

• 8% of people in occupations such as marine biology work part-time.
• 11% have flexible hours.
• 16% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.