it means managing a marine wildlife sanctuary. There are many answers to this question and I would say that a marine biologist is someone who works in some way in studying, observing, protecting, or managing marine organisms, be they microbe, plant or animal. If you study marine fish populations you are a marine biologist.
Marine biology is the perfect career choice for budding underwater explorers―those who are fascinated by ocean creatures like sharks, crabs, fish, and coral. Marine biologists are scientists who study saltwater organisms and their relationships to their environments.
The specific subject areas that marine biologists can focus on are almost limitless. Some might research the migration of ocean seals, while others might investigate the interaction between sea anemones and coral in a certain area. They also look at the complex chemical makeup of marine toxins, both natural (in poisonous sea creatures) and man-made. Many marine biologists work at large aquariums, caring for the creatures that live there. Others study the population fluctuations in different species of fish.
Many marine biologists are research scientists. They study ocean systems as well as their relationships to people and environmental concerns, and develop ways in which to solve problems. One large area of concern now is climate change and the effect it will have on the ocean ecosystem.
Marine biologists do both independent research and teamwork with other professionals. A marine biologist may work with engineers, business managers, technicians, and scientists from other disciplines. Some marine biologists move into management positions after years of research. They often plan and administer programs at fisheries, or direct activities at aquariums. They may also act as consultants to government organizations, or become professors at colleges and universities. Many of them work in environmental agencies. Marine biotechnologists develop new underwater technologies.
Marine biologists often work as research scientists. Their employers range from private industries to universities to government and non-profit laboratories. Some marine biologists also work independently of these institutions, though they usually depend on government grants or other sources of funding.
Most marine biologists work regular hours in a laboratory, nine to 10 hours a day, 40 to 50 hours a week. They use electron microscopes, computers and other specialized equipment to study specimens.
Many marine biologists also do fieldwork. This can require travelling to remote (and sometimes exciting) locations, and often demands physical stamina. Living conditions during fieldwork can be uncomfortable, especially if the field work requires the scientist to live onboard a ship for long periods of time. While newer ships may have improved living quarters and amenities such as showers and television, it is still easy to become aggravated with the confined quarters, continuous close personal contact with crewmates, and the absence of family.
Overtime and weekend work is common for marine biologists. Those working as professors may work up to 60 hours a week.
The Canadian Salary Survey reports that biologists in general earn an average annual salary of about $45,000. Depending on the type of work they are doing, however, earnings for marine biologists can range from about $20,000 a year to over $80,000.
For example, as a graduate student, you might earn just $15,000 a year as a research assistant. Students take these jobs primarily for the experience they provide. Once fully-qualified, earnings for marine biologists working in research can be anywhere from $50,000 to over $80,000 a year.
Jobs at an aquariums or similar administrative positions pay between $25,000 and $70,000 a year, depending on education, seniority, and the size of the organization. Many marine biologists are employed as biology professors at universities and can earn over $65,000 a year.
Factors affecting income include experience and expertise. In academic settings, the number of articles or books published and seniority within the faculty are determining factors. Many research positions are dependent on funding from government grants.
marine=water
bio=life
logy=study
they literally study aquatic life, how its changing, why it is changing, and why they are what they are now
From pics I see they're always in the water if that's true that really interests me! If it's not what do they normally do?
