Career Options in Marine Science

There are many issues of global concern that influence our planet’s oceans and marine systems including climate change, pollution, erosion, sustainability and conservation, to name a few. With over 70% of the Earth covered by water, the health of the world’s oceans and lakes is critically important for sustaining life.

Marine scientists, oceanographers and marine biologists use their expertise in marine science issues to identify, control and manage marine challenges and alleviate potential future problems. Students with a curiosity for the ocean and marine ecosystems find that these disciplines, often interrelated and aligned with each other, present unique areas of specialization and wide-ranging career opportunities. Deciding where their interests are and which path to take is the first step. So, what is the difference between oceanography and marine biology?

Oceanography or Marine Biology: Which Degree is Right for Me?

Studying oceanography or marine biology means working on issues like ecological balance, water quality, alternative energy, weather prediction, coastal management and pollution. It also means uncovering resources for drug research, finding solutions to fish overharvesting or developing solutions to curb invasive species. Oceanographers and marine biologists work in private industry, government, research laboratories and the military to advance solutions on these important ocean and marine ecosystem issues that affect life on Earth.

What is Oceanography?

The definition of oceanography is the study of the physical, chemical, geological and biological characteristics of the ocean. In their work, oceanographers take into account the environment, weather, space and planetary science, chemistry and geology.

What is Marine Biology?

The definition of marine biology is the study of animals, plants and microbes in the oceans and other saltwater environments such as estuaries and wetlands. It is the study of how physical properties of the marine environment, biological interactions and human activities affect marine organisms from plankton to whales, and all the habitats from coral reefs to the open ocean. Job titles for a marine biologist include zoologist, fish and wildlife biologist, aquatic biologist, conservation biologist, marine biotechnologist and much more.

What are the Skills of a Marine Scientist?

An analytical mind with an interest in finding answers
Logical approach to problem solving
Strong observation and laboratory skills
Love of the ocean and marine life
Keen interest in research
Ability to work indoors or out
Flexible in changing weather and work environments
Excellent analysis and communication skills

How is an Oceanographer's Job Different from a Marine Biologist?

Oceanography and marine biology are both similar and different at the same time. Read about the differences.

students in marine biology

Oceanographer

Collect data on ocean temperatures and salinity
Study the plate tectonics and volcanic activity of the sea floor
Learn how waves, currents and tides move sand on and off beaches and how it impacts erosion
Understand how the ocean influences climate and how to measure changes
Study pollution, eutrophication and algae blooms and find restorative solutions
Discover how the environment impacts ocean life, including dolphins, jellyfish and sea turtles

What do oceanographers do?

Marine Biologist

Study whales and how temperature affects migration of animals
Study the effects of an oil spill on plant and animal life or how pollutants contribute to algal blooms
Determine the impact of human activity on a coral reef
Understand lifecycles of marine organisms and their global importance
Uncover ways to sustain and protect ecosystems and living resources from negative human impacts

What does a marine biologist do?

Biological Oceanographers focus on the plants, animals, and organisms that live in the ocean in relation to the systems and processes in their marine environment. A biological oceanographer incorporates a larger view of the interactions of marine organisms with each other and how the physical and chemical environment affects them.

Chemical oceanographers and marine chemists investigate the chemical composition of seawater and study its effect on marine organisms, the atmosphere and the ocean floor. They want to know how physical processes and exchanges with the atmosphere changes marine chemistry. Mapping chemicals found in seawater better understand currents, studying how carbon is buried in the seafloor (and its role in regulating greenhouse gases), and learning how the ocean is becoming more acidic are examples of the topics chemical oceanographers research.

Geological oceanographers study the past and present composition of the ocean floor and explore the processes that make up and change the underwater landscape (mountains, canyons and valleys) and the shore (beaches, inlets, and jetties). This includes the physical and chemical properties of rocks and sediment. Geological marine scientists also study sea-floor spreading, plate tectonics, volcanic processes, and hydrothermal circulation.

Physical oceanographers study the ocean's physical conditions and processes, the atmosphere, seafloor and coastline. This includes researching waves, currents, eddies and tides, and the interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean that influence weather and climate. They may study how water flows around a certain land mass and help predict the processes involved in melting ice caps, sea level rise or the determination of ocean sailinity.

Getting a bachelor's degree in marine biology is the first step in finding a career specialty suitable to a student interested in marine science. Marine biology offers a diverse range of career opportunities including biomedical research scientist, marine biotechnologist, mammologist, ichthyologist (a type of zoologist that deals with fish), environmental consultant, veterinarian, aquarium manager, aquarist and so much more. Marine biology research involves specializations on a particular species, organism, behavior, technique or ecosystem.

Where Do Oceanographers and Marine Biologists Work?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that marine science jobs for geoscientists and oceanographers are expected to grow 14 percent through 2024, particularly in the oil and gas industry and private consulting firms. For those specializing in marine biology, employment is expected to grow 8 percent.

The future for marine biologists and ocean scientists is competitive, however growth will continue for experienced scientists as research centers, universities and other organizations conduct specialized experiments and manage current environmental issues. Marine biologists and oceanographers will find employment to solve issues including reducing carbon emissions, developing sustainable fishing methods and protecting marine habitats.

Specialists in oceanography and marine biology are employed by:

Federal, State and Local Governments
Scientific and Technical Consulting Firms
Research Institutes
Engineering Firms
Nonprofit Organizations
Educational Institutions
Farms and Aquaculture Facilities
Pharmaceutical Companies
Theme Parks, Zoos and Aquariums

What A Bachelor's Degree Can Do

Have a foundation in advanced mathematics and biology, and chemistry
Find entry-level employment as an aquarist, laboratory technologist or research assistant in testing laboratories, conservation agencies and fish hatcheries
Get wet working in or on the water
Work as an educator in zoos or aquariums
Determine area of interest for future specialization

What a Master's Degree or Ph.D. Can Do

Choose from additional research or managerial positions
Obtain higher salaries and locate more varied job opportunities in consulting
Gain opportunities for teaching and research positions
Design and implement personal research ideas
Publish research in journals to share with the international scientific community

Salaries for Marine Scientists

Because of the diversity of the industry and its propensity to provide employment across a variety of employment segments, there is just as wide a range of salaries for oceanographers and marine biologists.

Oceanography jobs range from positions such as conservation scientist, with an average of $67,594, to natural science managers, with an average salary of $157,747.

Marine science jobs range from positions such as zoologists with an average of $70,223, to natural science managers with an average salary of $157,747.

Studying oceanography or marine biology means working on issues like ecological balance, water quality, alternative energy, weather prediction, coastal management and pollution. It also means uncovering resources for drug research, finding solutions to fish overharvesting, or developing solutions to curb invasive species. Oceanographers and marine biologists work in private industry, government, research laboratories and the military to advance solutions on these important ocean and marine ecosystem issues that affect life on Earth.

Threats to Coral Reefs - Climate Change

Climate Change = Ocean Change

Increased greenhouse gases from human activities result in climate change and ocean acidification.

Burning fossil fuels for heats and energy
Producing some industrial products
Raising livestock
Fertilizing crops
Deforestation

The world's ocean is a massive sink that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2). Although this has slowed global warming, it is also changing ocean chemistry.

Climate Change Drastically Affects Coral Reef Systems

Warming ocean -> thermal stress -> coral bleaching, infectious disease
Sea level rise -> sedimentation -> smothering of coral
Changes in storm patterns -> stronger, more frequent storms -> destruction of reef structure
Changes in precipitation -> increased runoff of freshwater, sediment & land-based pollutants -> algal blooms & murky water reduce light
Altered ocean currents -> change in connectivity & temperature regimes -> lack of food and dispersal of larvae
Ocean acidification -> reduction in pH levels -> decreases growth rates and structural integrity

How You Can Help

Shrink your carbon footprint to reduce greenhouse gases

Drive less
Reduce, reuse, or recycle
Purchase energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs
Print less. Download more. Use less water

Do your part to help improve overall coral reef condition

Reduce the use of lawn and garden chemicals
DO NOT dump household chemicals into storm drains
Choose sustainable seafood
Learn about good reef etiquette and practice it when in the water
Volunteer for beach and waterway clean ups

Our World Ocean Provides

Climate Regulation - covering 70% of the Earth's surface, the ocean transports heat from the equator to the poles, regulating our climate and weather patterns
Economy - $282 billion - amount the U.S. ocean economy produces in goods and services. Ocean-dependent businesses employ almost 3 million people
Transportation - 76% of all U.S. trade involving some form of marine transportation
Recreation - from fishing to boating to kayaking and whale watching, the ocean provides us with so many unique activities
Food - the ocean provides much more than just seafood. Ingredients from the sea are found in surprising foods such as peanut butter and soymilk
Medicine - many medicinal products come from the ocean, including ingredients that help fight cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease