Marine Science

The sea was not just the scene for the first and most terrifying blockbuster Jaws, the rest of the time it stars as the world’s most vital resource. It regulates the earth’s temperature, stores vast quantities of mineral deposits and fossil fuels, and as it is home to most of earth’s creatures, it is an integral part of the planet’s ecology. Marine science, therefore, aims to cover a varied number of fields and requires knowledge in areas such as biology, geology and oceanography.

The modern environment has placed increasing emphasis on harnessing the power and produce of the ocean in an effort to benefit society while protecting this resource. Marine science concentrates on how humans interact with the sea, whether as a source of food or energy, as a means of communication or transport, or as an industrial raw material or tool. The abuse of the marine environment has had many consequences and today’s marine scientists are involved in designing and implementing more environmentally friendly policies and practices.

Qualifications in Marine Science lead to a wide range of careers including scientific research, manufacturing, industry, government policy formation, tourism and aquaculture.

Education

To work as a marine scientist, you need a higher-level qualification in a related area. There are a number of different courses available through the CAO system, including options at honours degree, ordinary degree and higher certificate levels. Course titles include Marine Science, Aquatic Science and Applied Freshwater & Marine Biology. The CAO points required for Marine Science range from 150 to around 350.

First year Marine Science students study a broad range of science subjects, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as subjects concerning the origin and structure of the earth and the oceans. Specialisation is introduced as you progress through the years, and involves subjects such as Earth & Ocean Sciences, Oceanography, Marine Zoology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Marine Ecology, Botany, Geology and Advanced Marine & Environmental Science. It may also be possible to take subjects in areas such as Environmental Protection, Marine Business and Tourism. Some other science degrees offer Marine Science as an option for specialisation.

Options After Qualification

You might think that marine science is a fairly specialized area, but there are many different career options for people with a higher-level qualification in the area. Graduates can find themselves working in sectors including oceanography, mineral exploration, fish breeding, water quality control, marine meteorology, coastal management, marine park or oceanarium management, tourism, environmental planning, conservation and teaching.

Many Marine Science graduates also go on to study postgraduate courses, concentrating on a particular area (e.g., hydrogeology, geophysics or oceanography). After graduating, they tailor their careers to their chosen areas or enter full-time specialist research.

The Work

A typical day for a marine scientist will obviously depend on the industry you choose, but scientific research is sure to be on the agenda. Possible research tasks include catching fish to conduct tests, measuring pollution levels, and testing renewable wave energy generators. Some marine scientists work for government bodies, while private companies employ others.

There are a number of other careers closely related to marine science. Fish farmers can utilise marine science knowledge. Oceanographers explore and map the ocean floor. Marine geologists offer advice to multinational energy companies planning to drill for oil or gas in a particular underwater area. Marine biologists study and preserve declining species of fish or plantlife.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

Those with a head for science and an interest in the environment and the sea are usually well suited to the study of marine science. An organised and methodical mind is beneficial, as is a talent with figures. Enjoying time on boats, and working with crews are also vital qualities to be in possession of.

Many marine science jobs involve a combination of time at sea making observations and collecting data, and time spent in the lab or office analysing your findings. Marine science jobs can involve plenty of travel and time spent away from home, especially if you live somewhere landlocked.

The Money

Newly qualified marine scientists can expect upwards of €23,000 per year. Those with postgraduate qualifications and other experience can expect higher salaries.

The Jargon

Red Tide: A discoloration of the sea caused by an outbreak of toxic red dinoflagellates (look it up!)

Zoophyte: A plantlike animal, e.g. a coral, sea anemone, or sponge

Draught: The depth of water needed to float a ship

Oceanography: Another word for marine science; literally meaning the study of the earth’s oceans

Job Titles

Aquaculturist
Marine Scientist
Oceanographer
Marine Biologist
Marine Environmentalist
Marine Geologist

Further Resources

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Johnstown Castle Estate
Co. Wexford
Phone: 053 9160600
Web: http://www.epa.ie/
Email: info@epa.ie 

The Marine Institute
Galway Technology Park
Parkmore
Galway
Phone: 091 730 400
Web: www.marine.ie
Email: institute.mail@marine.ie

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
29-31 Adelaide Road
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 678 2000
Web: www.dcmnr.gov.ie
Email: press.office@dcmnr.gov.ie 

WHOI Sea Grant – Marine Careers
MA 02543-1525
USA
Web: www.whoi.edu