1. Career Research Project Marine Biologist
By Beverly Lampa
Digital Citizenship 8 Mr. Beaton

2. 1. Occupation
Marine biologists study marine life from tiny, microscopic organisms to the humongous blue whale. This study is called Marine Biology. They study population levels, patterns in migrations and other characteristics of marine life. They collect samples and analyze the chemical make up of marine organisms. They provide advice on conservation, environmental policy and fisheries management. Some biologists care for animals in aquariums and zoos. In colleges and university, the professors teach students taking biology. Technology impacts the job of a marine biologist because its important. They need it for researching, keeping important data etc. Examples of technology they use include boats for transportation on the water and research, submarines for exploring the ocean, waterproof cameras or video cameras for recording organisms in their natural habitat and microscopes for observing and studying microscopic organisms like plankton. Hazards to this job include shark attacks or other organisms that could cause harm to a person. Drowning is also a possible hazard to the biologist’s safety. Men and women are equally represented, though women seem to take more interest in this career. Here is a link to marine biology organizations.

3. 2. List of Local Employers
Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver, BC
Government of Canada
Marineland, Niagra Falls, Ontario
Seaworld in San Diego, California, Orlando, Florida or
San Antonio, Texas
Research labs

4. 3. Qualification Necessary for Entry and Success
In order to become a marine biologist you must be physically fit and have certification in scuba diving . You must also have skills in handling boats. Having excellent oral and written communication skills is also required. Strong research skills and observation skills are required as well as being able to work independently or as a team/group. In personality, a person must be self-motivated, creative and curious.

5. 4. Preparation Needed
Education needed includes taking science courses in the beginning of university and having experience in lab and field work. Learning Marine biology, biology, ecology and fisheries science and management are required. Colleges and universities that offer biology degrees include the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of Victoria. There are also universities outside of the province such as the University of Calgary. For those interested in the technical areas of Marine Biology could attend courses at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Bamfield Marine Station on the west coast of Vancouver Island offer seasonal courses. Courses that should be taken include marine biology, ecology, oceanography, geology, botany, zoology, environmental science and fisheries science and management. Entry requirements include completion in high school as well as high marks in biology, chemistry, physics, English and mathematics.

6. 5. Renumerations
The annual earning of a marine biologist at entry level would be around $20,000 , $30,000 or $44,000 average per year, depending on years of experience. For marine biologists who have had several years of experience would earn between $64,000 - $78,000 per year in Canada. This occupation is probably seasonal but may vary on the field of study. Benefits of being a marine biologist include financial privileges (pay), travelling without having to pay your own expenses, access equipment in labs that cost nearly thousands or millions of dollars and gaining much more knowledge on this field.

7. 6. How to get started towards this occupation
In high school, it is suggested you take many science courses and earn high exceeding marks. Sciences required should be biology, physics and chemistry. Areas of English and Math are also required high school subjects. Extracurricular activities that could help include volunteering or zoos and attending camps involving aquatics and biology. Hobbies could be going to the beach and exploring the shore. Working part time at an aquarium or zoo could be beneficial for success. At the Vancouver Aquarium people planning on pursuing a career as a marine biologist could work there as a volunteer. Also attending camps for marine biology is recommended.

8. 7. Employment Advancement and Outlook
The employment outlook of a marine biologist is highly competitive. Government jobs are limited. Other employers could be aquariums, colleges or universities or research laboratories. Advancement opportunities could be being open to new fields in biology such as different branches in science.

9. 8. Conclusion
There are disadvantages and advantages for being a marine biologist. Physical risks, such as getting harmed by animals, may be a disadvantage. Shark attacks may be included as a physical risk and a disadvantage if it ends up losing a limb or two. Travelling is an advantage because the biologist doesn’t need to pay the expenses, although it is a disadvantage because of the lack of being home. Pay could be an advantage because marine biologists get paid a high amount of money but may be a disadvantage depending on how that money is used. Self-employment opportunities may be in reach for this occupation. Being a marine biologist is my dream job but I don’t think I have the skills to be a marine biologist unless I work harder in school. Only then I may be able to have a chance at this occupation. I think I can work well with a group and by myself. I also take an interest in marine life due to the countless times I’ve been to the aquarium. I am unable to swim or scuba dive as well as stay fit, which are disadvantages for me.

10. 9. Bibliography

11. AND THAT’S THE CAREER OF A MARINE BIOLOGIST!