Occupation

Marine biologist

Marine biologists study organisms that live in the sea and the habitats that support them, from plankton and coral to fish stocks and marine mammals. Fieldwork can involve boats, diving, or shore surveys, but a great deal of the role is sample processing, data analysis, and writing. Work often connects to fisheries management, conservation, or aquaculture rather than pure research.

Also known as: Marine ecologist · Fisheries biologist · Aquatic biologist

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Occupation content

Part of Natural sciences and research

A visual day in the work

What the work involves

  1. Plan and carry out surveys of marine species, habitats, or water conditions

  2. Collect and process samples, including sorting, identification, and preservation

  3. Tag, track, or monitor populations and record observations systematically

  4. Analyse survey and monitoring data to assess population or habitat condition

  5. Write reports and advice for conservation bodies, fisheries managers, or regulators

  6. Follow diving, vessel, and animal handling safety and ethics requirements

Entry-route stepper

How people commonly enter

  1. A degree in marine biology, zoology, or a broader biological science

  2. Postgraduate study, which is common for research and specialist advisory roles

  3. Field or laboratory technician posts, aquaria, or fisheries observer work as entry points

  4. Volunteer and seasonal survey experience used to build practical field skills

Typical training: Postgraduate or professional degree

Licensing: Certification common, not usually required

Work-context map

Typical work context

  • Outdoors
  • Involves travel
  • Physically active
  • Team based
  • Lab or workshop
  • Varied work

Outdoors · Involves travel · Physically active · Team based · Lab or workshop · Varied work

Related interests

  • Investigative (analytical)
  • Realistic (hands-on)

Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)

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