What skills does a marine biologist need?

A marine biologist needs 25 essential skills including microbiology-bacteriology, organism taxonomy, ecosystem management, botany, marine biology. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace marine biologist jobs?

The AI disruption score for marine biologist is 20/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Science & ResearchScience and engineering professionalsISCO 2131

marine biologist

Marine biologists study marine living organisms and ecosystems and their interaction underwater. They research on the physiology, the interactions between organisms, their interactions with their habitats, the evolution of marine species, and the role of the environment in their adaptations. Marine biologists also perform scientific experiments in controlled conditions to understand these processes. They also focus on the effects of human activities on the life in the oceans and seas.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (25)

microbiology-bacteriologymicrobiology-bacteriologyMicrobiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.organism taxonomyorganism taxonomyScience of classifying organisms.ecosystem managementecosystem managementThe set of approaches that takes into account the effect of a management decision on other elements of an ecosystem. It also addresses the optimization of diverse management strategies and the challen...botanybotanyThe taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.marine biologymarine biologyThe study of marine living organisms and ecosystems and their interaction underwater.fish identification and classificationfish identification and classificationThe processes which allow the identification and classification of fish.physiology of animalsphysiology of animalsThe study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.fish biologyfish biologyThe study of fish, shellfish or crustacean organisms, categorized into many specialised fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origins and distribution.laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.molecular biologymolecular biologyThe interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.ecologyecologyThe study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.fish anatomyfish anatomyThe study of the form or morphology of fish species.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.conduct research on floraconduct research on floraCollect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.write research proposalswrite research proposalsSynthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the ...perform data analysisperform data analysisCollect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...perform field researchperform field researchParticipate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.monitor water qualitymonitor water qualityMeasure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2,NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.collect biological datacollect biological dataCollect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.conduct research on faunaconduct research on faunaCollect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

Optional (19)

wind energywind energyRenewable energy that harnesses the power of wind, transforming air kinetic energy into electrical. Wind energy requires the construction of land or high sea wind farms as the extraction of energy tak...habitat restorationhabitat restorationThe process of repairing and rehabilitating areas that suffered habitat destruction, alteration of seafloor or the threat of extinction of some animal and plant species. Habitat restoration also invol...biotechnologybiotechnologyThe technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.oceanographyoceanographyThe scientific discipline that studies oceanic phenomena such as marine organisms, plate tectonics, and the geology of the ocean bottom.coastal managementcoastal managementThe process of reaching and maintaining an equilibrium between natural phaenomena and human activities in coastal areas.chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...develop aquaculture strategiesdevelop aquaculture strategiesCultivate strategies for aquaculture plans based on reports and research in order to deal with specific fish farm issues. Plan and organise work activities in order to improve aquaculture production a...monitor fish health statusmonitor fish health statusMonitor the health of fish, based on feeding and general behaviour. Interpret environmental parameters and analyse mortalities.analyse fish samples for diagnosisanalyse fish samples for diagnosisAnalyse samples or lesions from farmed aquatic species for professional diagnosis and treatments.conduct ecological researchconduct ecological researchConduct ecological and biological research in a field, under controlled conditions and using scientific methods and equipment.conduct fish mortality studiesconduct fish mortality studiesCollect fish mortality data. Identify causes of mortality and provide solutions .send samples to laboratorysend samples to laboratoryForward collected samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.control aquatic production environmentcontrol aquatic production environmentAssess the impact of biological conditions such as algae and fouling organisms by managing water intakes, catchments and oxygen use.conduct ecological surveysconduct ecological surveysConduct field surveys to collect information about the numbers and distribution of organisms.advise on nature conservationadvise on nature conservationProvide information and suggested actions relating to the conservation of nature.inspect fish stockinspect fish stockCollect and examine fish to evaluate the health of fish stock.conduct fish populations studiesconduct fish populations studiesStudy captive fish populations to determine survival, growth, and migration.treat fish diseasestreat fish diseasesIdentify the symptoms of fish diseases. Apply appropriate measures to treat or eliminate diagnosed conditions.