by Moe Zilla

Created on: July 12, 2010   Last Updated: January 08, 2012

Marine biology is a dream career for many undergraduates who love ocean animals.  While studying fish, plankton, or other ocean animals, marine biologists often get to work on a research ship. And even if they're remaining on land, by definition much of their work involves studying the ocean, so a lot of time is spent outdoors. But be aware that it's a highly competitive field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides warns that especially for research positions, "those who would like to enter this specialty far outnumber the very few openings that occur each year." Usually even basic research positions require a PhD degree. It takes years of study to become a marine biologist, but it's worth it for the people who have a special passion. There's a special beauty to the ocean, and a uniquely rewarding feeling that comes from investigating its wildlife!

There's also positions available at aquariums and zoos which have marine animals that need special treatment, and many of the research positions are surprisingly stable. "Biological scientists are less likely to lose their jobs during recessions..." notes the Bureau of Labor of Statistics, "because many are employed on long-term research projects." Marine biologists get to know that they're making a difference in the world, for example by measuring the damage to an ecosystem after an oil spill. But marine biologists are also called when ocean animals are affected by other man-made impacts on their environment.

Sometimes there's simply too much algae growing naturally in the water, and it's affecting the diet of the animals that live in the wild. In especially dramatic cases, whales beach themselves on the shore, and local authorities may consult with a marine biologist to understand the best way to respond. Marine biologists have studied the normal behavior of ocean animals, so they can identify what unusual factors may be effecting their health. But interestingly, sometimes marine biologists are considered oceanographers. (There's a separate career track that involves studying the actual topography of the ground at the bottom of the ocean, while a marine biologist studies the animals that live within an ocean.)

The study of marine biology includes more animals than you'd think. It includes everything from plant life - from the tiniest plankton to the spectacularly long strands of kept. Of course there's the more familiar ocean animals like dolphins, fish, and sharks. Sometimes they'll even study furry coastal creatures like seals and otters, which also spend their lives in the ocean. If you have a special feeling for the animals of the ocean, then you might find a lifetime of rewarding work in a career as a marine biologist.

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