Marine Science Careers

Marine Biology

• Marine biologists study the ocean's organisms and their relationship to their environment. The many specializations in the field include molecular biology, which helps in identifying pollutants in populations of organisms, and biotechnology, which has been helpful in producing pharmaceuticals from marine organisms. Biological oceanographers are similar to marine biologists but do more study of organisms in their natural habitat, according to the website Marine Careers.

Oceanography

• Oceanographers can study marine geology and geophysics or marine chemistry and geochemistry, among other things. They discovered the hydrothermal vents that spew water warmed from the earth's core into the ocean and the life that thrives there. Oceanographers can be involved with drilling, seismology, weather and many other elements of ocean ecosystems.

Ocean Engineering

• In recent decades, according to Marine Careers, ocean engineers have made huge breakthroughs in technology to study the ocean. These include satellite-linked buoys, sediment traps and ocean seismographs. Many discoveries -- such as hydrothermal vents and submerged mountain ranges -- have been made because of the inventions of ocean engineers.

Related Fields

• Other marine science careers include marine archeologist; aquavets (veterinarians who specialize in marine animals); aquaculturists; and environmentalists who work with ocean organizations. Some marine scientists work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, keeping track of storms. Marine Careers and a website called Ocean Careers list many options for careers as a marine scientist.