Marine science?

[Dive ireland]

At the mention of diving careers, it has reminded me of an issue ive been looking into for a while.

I'm really into the whole marine biology, eco-systems, fish species and anything to do with aquatic life in general. And although im only 15, seeing morays perched at there hole breathing and seahorses changing from blacks to a corals yellow once it realises your aware of its presence still fascinates me entirely.

But i'm curious, theres hundreds of jobs diving related, marine biology (or biological oceanographer to some) is one which ive taken an interest to. If later, i was to take a career in marine biology, i was wondering what kind of work would i be doing? Or how much would diving be apart of my life? That said, im aware theres LOTS of branches in the marine biology tree, but in general, what kind of work would i be doing?

At the moment i've only a handful of dives under my belt due to inlanditis!!! And the fact that irelands a bit cold for diving, but still.... diving has me hooked.

 

[Thalassamania]

It depends on how far your skills and education take you. You may be a chief scientist with a PhD, running a lab, or making policy; or you may be technician with an MS doing scut work (that you love) for the PhD that is running the lab. If you're good in school and aggressive the sky's the limit, if you want to be a bit more down to earth, look into a career as a Marine Tech, great work, lots of travel and much less stress.

BTW, I expect you to post an explanation of the difference between a Marine Biologist and a Biological Oceanographer.

 

[Dive ireland]

No no, its just a different more awkward way of saying it lol, but i'll look into the tech

thanks

 

[Gilldiver]

If it is what you really want to do, go for it.

You will never make a lot of money doing it, but you might enjoy your life. However, Marine science jobs are few and far between with lots and lots of people looking to do it.

What you will do is about 100 to 500 hours in the lab or teaching for every hour in the water and without an advance degree like a Masters or PhD, you may only be treated as a bottle washer.

So, you have to be prepared to spend 8 to 10 years in school after Highschool and be willing to pay the costs that brings with it. Talk with your parents about this very real problem.

Now, if that bucket of cold water did not turn you off, start volunteering wherever you can in the field. Most areas has a fisheries department that may include a fish hatchery or an Environmental water monitoring service. Have a look around and find them, talk with them at length to see what they think and see if you can work with them. Find out if this is what you really want to do.

But, always have fun. If you are not having fun, it is just a job.

 

[langforg]

What your asking can be achieved. However, as a marine biologist myself recently graduated from school I think you really should research exactly what you are thinking of getting into. I had ambitions of learning about the reefs and diving and doing research. However, the vast majority of marine science is not learning about all the pretty fishes and coral. You will be learning more about physical oceanography (ie nutrient distribution, a lot about carbon, nitrogen, etc.). I did take a few courses that would interest most people but probably 80-90 percent of my other courses were not for the feint of heart. Just a warning from someone who has been in your shoes. Be realistic. The job that your looking for is out there but you are going to have to learn a lot of crap to get to the point where you can start to study more interesting things.

 

[perdidochas]

At the mention of diving careers, it has reminded me of an issue ive been looking into for a while.

I'm really into the whole marine biology, eco-systems, fish species and anything to do with aquatic life in general. And although im only 15, seeing morays perched at there hole breathing and seahorses changing from blacks to a corals yellow once it realises your aware of its presence still fascinates me entirely.

But i'm curious, theres hundreds of jobs diving related, marine biology (or biological oceanographer to some) is one which ive taken an interest to. If later, i was to take a career in marine biology, i was wondering what kind of work would i be doing? Or how much would diving be apart of my life? That said, im aware theres LOTS of branches in the marine biology tree, but in general, what kind of work would i be doing?

At the moment i've only a handful of dives under my belt due to inlanditis!!! And the fact that irelands a bit cold for diving, but still.... diving has me hooked.

Like most things, fun jobs don't pay well. Marine science is fun.

 

[perdidochas]

No no, its just a different more awkward way of saying it lol, but i'll look into the tech

thanks

There are differences between marine biologists and biological oceanographers. I've met both.

 

[Hank49]

Aquaculture is an option. There's a lot of newer fish culture going on now. Cobia seems to be up and coming. The diving would be mostly cage maintenance or pipeline maintenance and repair...but you do live in an area where you can get good diving in your off time.
Plus, most aquaculture people I know working overseas make a decent living...and in most cases tax exempt...all legally.

 

[Thalassamania]

No no, its just a different more awkward way of saying it lol, but i'll look into the tech

thanks

I am an Oceanographer, it puts me off my feed a little when I am introduced as a Marine Biologist. There is a difference, and if you hope to work in the field you see which one you want to be. They are both great careers, but they are not the same thing. That's your first assignment.

 

[Dive ireland]

Ah i c! I oughta kick wikipedias ass lol.

As an instructor, would knowing marine biology contribute to a job oppurtunity? Likemore perks perhaps, I've heard of free acommadation in some cases (At resorts, hot spots etc...) and im sure an open water instructor/marine biologist would be the most stand out candidate when it somes to looking for a job? (Yeah i've been thinking of that too)

Doing a bit more homework on the subject I'll look into it, as for all the boring bits of study, im sure i could deal with it if i came to studying marine biology. I like a challenge.

I also looked into the marine tech, is that not more boat repair etc than diving? And aquaculture sounds interesting, look into that too.

Thanks for all the support everyone.... I'm a strong believer of creative criticism so any views on the subject would be welcomed too.