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This question is about marine biologist.
What are careers in oceanography?
Marine biologists, ecologists, and physical oceanographers are all careers in oceanography.
Marine Biologist
Marine biologists are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference. Research projects are the main focus for a marine biologist. Their typical tasks include:
Collecting specimens
Compiling data
Undertaking laboratory-based experiments
Key areas of research include migration patterns, underwater photosynthesis, and the impact of human activity on coral reefs. Marine biologists must be able to conduct successful research. To that end, they need to have the knowledge and skills to complete a literature review, plan research questions, and design research studies.
They must also be able to collect the data for their study, analyze it, and interpret it. A marine biologist must understand what their data shows and be able to explain it in a publication. A marine biologist's tools range from fishing nets and sonar to remotely operated vehicles.
Typical responsibilities include planning experiments and using tracking technology, recording and using specialist computer software to aid with interpreting data from biological processes, as well as writing research papers and reports.
Marine biologists need patience and determination along with excellent problem-solving skills, to find solutions to challenges. They often also need practical skills such as boat handling, scuba diving, and first aid knowledge. Extreme attention to detail along with team working and interpersonal skills, are also essential to ensuring success in the field.
Ecologist
Another career path in oceanography is being an ecologist. Ecologists study the relationships between organisms and their habitats. A marine ecologist studies marine life habitats, populations, and the interactions between organisms and the surrounding environment.
Ocean ecosystems are highly intricate, and there are many specializations and areas for an ecologist to study. A successful ecologist will work to examine entire communities of different species and the environments they live in and look to find the connections (or lack thereof).
They meld biology, ecology, fieldwork, and mathematical models to understand the ocean as a living system. An ecologist that chooses to study coastal ecosystems can help to provide important services such as protection from waves and storms and developing things like marine habitats for fish and nutrient cycling.
In addition to research, ecologists can be involved in the protection of oceanic resources. For example, if an ecologist identifies an area in the ocean where life is rich and abundant, they can use that knowledge to work with government agencies and/or non-profit organizations to secure those resources.
This can apply to things like coral reefs, seamounts, and open-ocean habitats.
Oceanographer
Physical oceanographers study tides, currents, wind, waves, and other forces that cause the movement of the oceans. Using advances in satellite technology, they compile data and develop predictive models that explain weather patterns, climate change, global warming, and algal blooms.
The practical applications of this specialization can lead to weather-related oceanographer jobs with the U.S. military and government agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Chemical oceanographers study the chemical makeup of the ocean - a complex mixture of water, salt, elements, minerals, and gaseous and particulate matter. Manufacturing waste, agricultural runoff, oil spills, and seeping sewage can all find their way to the ocean.
Chemical oceanographer scientists and technologists analyze water quality by testing water temperature, pH, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen levels; for instance, they often work for government agencies or technology solutions companies that collect and share water quality data that are used to inform public policy and develop less toxic processes.
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