| Marine biology is an increasingly popular career option | | | | There are marine biology jobs offered by universities, |
| today, largely because a growing number of people | | | | national parks, private companies and various |
| have a passion for nature and genuine concern for its | | | | institutes available in California. However, the |
| preservation. As it is a specialized area of science, it | | | | competition for these posts is tough because |
| is necessary to define exactly what is involved and | | | | California is the best possible place to be for research |
| what career prospects are available. | | | | purposes at the moment and people do tend to stay |
| What Is Marine Biology? | | | | in a position for between 3 and 5 years on average. |
| A very loose definition of marine biology is the study | | | | If you can get into the industry here though, the |
| of the marine ecosystem, but that does not go | | | | financial benefits are worth it with an average salary |
| nearly far enough as there are several sub-sections | | | | of $54,000. |
| that an individual marine biologist could go into. For | | | | The Requirements |
| example, the composition of the natural oceanic | | | | Many universities employ previous students so you |
| habitat, ocean currents, marine food chains, pollution | | | | may want to consider studying for a degree here as |
| and the distribution of native sea creatures are all | | | | well. The minimum requirement for a position in |
| areas of marine biology that biologists choose to | | | | marine biology is a four-year degree in marine biology |
| analyse in depth. The opportunities are there owing | | | | or a related (and narrow) field, such as fisheries |
| to technological advances in chemical analysis and | | | | biology. Many employers also insist on a postgraduate |
| underwater apparatus. Nowhere is this more | | | | qualification with work experience. |
| apparent than in California. | | | | Candidates may also be subject to a physical exam. |
| Opportunities | | | | Some careers in marine biology are labour intensive, |
| It seems that one of the requirements of living in | | | | depending on the nature of research. Although you |
| California is a love of the ocean, which is one of the | | | | will spend many long hours in the lab, you have to be |
| reasons why it is the perfect place to engage in a | | | | physically prepared for the demands placed on you |
| career as a marine biologist. The marine ecosystem is | | | | when you are out and about! Finally, you should also |
| extensive so there are plenty of opportunities, | | | | be prepared to dedicate your life to this career. |
| especially as the Pacific Ocean has undergone some | | | | Preserving marine life in California is high on the |
| dramatic changes because of El Nino in recent years. | | | | priority list of this beautiful state, so combine your |
| There have been a number of research centres set | | | | passion and the natural environment in a secure and |
| up as a result of the impact that it has, and continues | | | | exciting career! |
| to have, on the marine environment. | | | | |