How to become a Marine Scientist

Marine scientists research a diverse array of aquatic creatures, ranging from minuscule plankton to huge whales. The majority of marine biologists specialise in one of many fields, including phycology, invertebrate zoology, marine analogy, fisheries biology, marine biotechnology, marine microbiology, and marine ecology. It is also usual to specialise in the study of a single species. Almost all marine scientists spend as least some of their time doing a field study in a variety of habitats, from marshes or wetlands to the ocean. They use a variety of different types of equipment, including boats, dive gear, nets, traps, sonar, submarines, robots, computers, and ordinary laboratory equipment.

• Planning and undertaking laboratory-based experiments and research
• Collecting samples at sea
• Keeping up to date with scientific and research developments
• Attending relevant training courses
• Recording, analyzing and interpreting data from biological or physical processes
• Using tracking technology to study particular organisms
• Writing research papers, reports and reviews
• Ensuring that data is recorded accurately
• Using problem-solving skills to develop solutions to research challenges
• Using computer databases and software to analyse and manage data
• Developing and maintaining a network of contacts
• Making presentations
• Identifying new funding sources and applying for grants
• Planning and organising field research trips
• Generating new research hypotheses and theories
• Testing out theories and hypotheses

• Critical and analytical thinking: Drawing conclusions requires sound scientific methods, which requires questioning and testing everything.
• Observational skills: Studying marine life, especially animals, requires the ability to recognize the slightest changes in behavior and any changes in environment that might have led to those changes.
• Physical and emotional stamina: Fieldwork can be physically demanding, especially if it is done in or under water, and it also can be emotionally demanding if it requires the researcher to alone in an environment with only native marine life.
• Teamwork: Much research is done as part of a larger team. Students still working toward advanced degrees, especially, are expected to cooperate with other team members if they are assisting a professor or other team leader with research.