Marine Biologist - Tasks and specialisations
Kaimātai Koiora Moana
Tasks & duties
Marine biologists may do some or all of the following:
- observe marine plants and animals in their natural environment
- study the impact of pollution on marine life
- study biodiversity (the variety of species and their habitats in the sea)
- identify, classify and preserve different types of marine life
- run ongoing monitoring programmes to look for changes and trends in marine life
- plan and run field studies and experiments
- develop new tests for the effects of toxicants (toxic substances)/stressors on native species
- examine samples in a laboratory
- estimate population growth and life expectancy
- use statistical software on computers to analyse data
- use computer modelling techniques to predict future events in the marine environment
- report the results of their studies in papers for science journals and in commercial reports.
Freshwater biologists do similar work, except that they study plants and animals living in rivers, lakes and ponds.
At the technician level, the main tasks are to help scientists prepare and carry out a range of experiments and tests.
Science technician job information
Vonda Cummings using a microscope to identify young shellfish
Drew Lohrer and colleagues sifting sand to collect clams
Photo courtesy of NIWA
Specialisations
Marine biologists can specialise in various fields, including:
- toxicology (scientific study of poisons)
- fish reproduction
- aquaculture.
Updated
October 2009
