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For a while now I have been interested in becomming a Marine Biologist when I am older.
I first got into it because of my love for dolphins. I now know that it is very rare that marine biologists work with dolphins, it's usually zoologists that do, but I still haven't lost my interest for the job.
So on this page I am just going to introduce you to marine biology and what it is all about.
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Marine Mammal Science.
What is marine mammal science?
There are about 100 species of aquatic or marine mammals that depend on fresh water or the ocean for part or all of their life. These species include pinnipeds, which are seals, sea lions, fur seals and walrus; cetaceans, which are baleen and toothed whales, ocean and river dolphins, and porpoises; sirenians, which are manatees and dugongs; and some carnivores, such as sea otters and polar bears. Marine mammal scientists try to understand these animals' genetic, systematic, and evolutionary relationships; population structure; community dynamics; anatomy and physiology; behavior and sensory abilities; parasites and diseases; geographic and microhabitat distributions; ecology; management; and conservation.
Most jobs with marine mammals are not as exciting or glamorous as popular television programs make them seem. Marine mammal studies often involve long, hard, soggy, sunburned days at sea, countless hours in a laboratory, extensive work on computers, hard labor such as hauling buckets of fish to feed animals, hours of cleanup, numerous reports, tedious grant applications and permit applications.
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If you would like more information on marine mammal science, I advise you to visit the Southampton Oceanography Centre for more details. Just click the link below.
More Info!
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Above is a picture of a bottlenosed dolphin.
What education is necessary to become a marine mammal scientist?
High School Studies:
A broad education is essential for finding employment in marine mammal science. High school courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and language will provide a good educational base. Consult a guidance counselor for help in selecting course work. Good grades are essential for admission to a university.
Undergraduate Studies:
Most entry-level marine mammal jobs require a B.S. degree, with a major in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or psychology. A minor in any science, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering also can be helpful. Good language and technical writing skills are essential. Many people are surprised by the amount of writing involved in marine mammal professions. Because marine mammals are found worldwide, foreign language training often is useful.
A student must first become a scientist before specializing in marine mammals. Generally, undergraduate students will concentrate on a basic science curriculum and rarely have an opportunity to take courses related to marine mammal science. Specialization in marine mammals generally comes later through practical work experience or while working toward an advanced degree. In other words, if your B.S. degree program does not include courses in marine sciences, do not become discouraged. Concentrate on finding practical experience and/or a master's degree with emphasis in marine mammal science. Maintaining a high grade point average as an undergraduate is very important to gain admission to graduate school.
Graduate Studies:
The master's degree is usually the first opportunity college students have to specialize in marine mammal science. Care should be taken to select an advisor with experience in the subject and a reputable university with a diverse curriculum that will enable s focus on marine mammal science.
Students who have dual majors or interdisciplinary training sometimes have more employment opportunities. Because the field of marine mammal science is so diverse, students who train in specialized areas have practical tools that may help them gain employment. For example, a graduate degree in statistics can be very useful for entering the field of population assessment. A degree in electrical engineering can be particularly useful for bioacoustic research. A graduate degree in environmental law can be important for developing a career in government policy-making or conservation.
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How to become a marine mammal trainer:
Most marine mammal trainers start by volunteering at an oceanarium or zoo. Often people work in other departments, such as operations, maintenance, or education, before transferring to a job in animal training. For the best advice about a career in marine mammal training, contact the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association.
How to become a marine mammal veterinarian:
To become a marine mammal veterinarian, follow the basic curriculum and schooling of other veterinarians, but try to gain practical experience with marine mammals by volunteering at an oceanarium or zoo. A few veterinary schools are developing specialized course work in the area of exotic animal medicine, including marine mammals. For more information, contact the American Veterinary Medical Association and the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine.
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