The basics of any career in marine begins with the basic definition of what marine biology consists of. It is the study of marine organisms. It is very comprehensive. It includes how the organisms interact with the environment, all about their behaviors and patterns. A marine biologists would need to understand physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, and geological oceanography. Then to work specifically with marine conservation biology, the student will have to have a complete understanding of how the changes of the world and humans are impacting marine biology and learn about reducing negative interactions.
To have this kind of career, one must have a passion. It is a master’s program and requires advanced studies in many areas. The good news that there is a large network of people and organizations looking for people with this passion and many programs to help them along the way.
To focus specifically on the side of marine conservation, a student would pay special attention to how the environment is effecting the marine organisms. This would be an overall approach to how changes in temperature, pollution, fishing, natural geographic occurrences, and all things what may endanger a species.
One of the big goals of marine conservation is education of the general public. Perhaps someone has a masters degree in marine biology and a flare for advertisement and marketing. This individual might make their own career with a variety of organizations. With the science and the marketing, the person could freelance to have great marketing and education for marine conservation.
If one has a specific passion, let’s say for blue whales. The area of study and career choices could be directed to that specific species and concerns. There are opportunities in many different organizations that lend themselves to experts with specific species.
When looking for the vast number of careers in this field, a good place to start the search is the Hopkins Marine Station is another great resource. Not only does it list opportunities and careers, but provides resource information on schooling. It seems like it would be simple to just present a list, but there are technical jobs, research jobs, pharmacy jobs, teaching jobs, engineers and everything in between.
Many people begin by volunteering at aquariums. It gives them a feel for the industry and the kind of opportunities they may be interested in pursuing. It is a practical way to narrow down the interests to a specific area.
It is important to understand, that even though we don’t see most of the oceans, there is a dramatic effect on the world. It is worth saving, conserving, and learning about.
