Description
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of marine organisms and their ecosystems. May specialize in marine research, conservation, and resource management. Collect and analyze biological and oceanographic data to assess the effects of human activities and climate change on marine and coastal habitats.
- • Study marine organisms in coastal, open-ocean, and estuarine habitats; assess effects of environment and maritime industries; recommend mitigation practices.
- • Survey and estimate marine populations and habitat condition, including fish stocks, coral cover, and plankton.
- • Identify and classify marine species using morphological, genetic, and acoustic methods.
- • Publish reports and journal articles and deliver presentations for agencies, schools, aquaria, and stakeholder groups.
- • Investigate origins, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, behavior, and distribution of marine species.
- • Manage grants, budgets, permits, public relations, and supervision of field, lab, and vessel operations.
- • Design and conduct laboratory, mesocosm, and field experiments with marine organisms.
- • Monitor and coordinate programs to prevent or control marine wildlife diseases and harmful algal blooms.
- • Prepare and curate preserved specimens, tissue samples, otoliths, and microscopic slides for identification and study.
- • Collect, dissect, and analyze marine specimens; perform microscopy and histology.
- • Provide public guidance on marine conservation issues, regulations, strandings, invasive species, and water quality advisories.
- • Ensure compliance with marine and environmental laws; report violations to appropriate authorities.
- • Develop or recommend management plans for marine populations, fisheries, and habitats in consultation with stakeholders.
- • Conduct literature reviews and synthesize best available marine science.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
