Why choose Marine Biology as a career?

Why Choose Marine Biology As A Profession?      

Fig. 1 A Marine Biologist
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“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” – Jacque Cousteau

A very rare yet inspiring quote by Jacque Cousteau, a marine conservationist and marine explorer. 
The ocean; an unexplored blue abyss. The ocean has always drawn humankind, so we have so many marine explorers, marine biologists, and conservationists.

The ocean has also cast its spell on me. That is why I have chosen my career as a Marine Biologist. And I also want others to take up and explore more in this vast career.

But let's see first of all what is exactly Marine Biology.

What is Marine Biology?

Marine biology is the scientific study of the biology of marine life, organisms in the sea. In simple words, studying aquatic organisms; both animals and plants. A person who studies Marine Biology is a Marine biologist. Marine Biology also includes various sub-fields in which Marine biologists take specialisation like Marine microbiology, Marine ecology, Marine biotechnology etc.

There are various factors for which you should choose Marine Biology. Some are:

• As a Job
• Eco-perspective
• Passion

Why choose Marine biology as a JOB?

Marine Biologist is perfect for people who don't want 9 am to 11 pm- office confined jobs.  Marine biologist salaries range from $31,000 to $98,000, according to PayScale.But this all depends on your experience. Entry-level marine biologists with five years or less of experience earn an average of $49,000, according to PayScale, while mid-career professionals can expect about $51,000. Those with 10 or more years can expect to earn $60,000 or more. Apart from that, you get beneficiaries just like the ones you get from other jobs like sick leave, paid holiday etc.

But if you get beneficiaries here also like other jobs why choose marine biology over others? The answer lies in the latter part of the blog.

Why choose Marine Biology from the environment's perspective?

"Awareness is the greatest agent for change" ~ Eckhart Tolle

This quotes self-explains why you should take up marine biology. 

We all know the visible effects of climate change on the ocean. Ocean acidification, Coral bleaching, Unusual migration patterns, Fluctuation in plankton growth etc. But if you are a marine biologist, you have deep knowledge about the ocean and its life and more about the effects. So you can analyse the situation underwater, record data and quickly devise ways to reduce impact. Marine biology lets you explore and make you more aware of the intensity of the situation and when you are more aware and you know more, you start to understand and when you start to understand you start to experiment and find solutions.

In simple words, taking up marine biology helps in saving the planet. You get to know more about the fragile link between the health of the ocean and the condition of the environment. Studying marine biology helps in maintaining the health of the ocean and in turn saving the planet.

Example-

The following image shows the shark population in the years 1986 and the year 2000

Fig.2. Shark Population Graph

The decreased population of sharks results in an imbalance in the ecosystem of the ocean. Sharks being apex predators, their loss directly results in the increased population of their prey. This reduces the plant cover or seagrass cover, directly affecting other species like turtles. This chain continues and disrupts the ocean web.
Thus, a marine biologist can study this data and help in conserving the species. Thereafter, being a Marine Biologist is utterly important for the ocean's well-being.

Why choose Marine Biology as a Passion?

"Don't follow success. Follow your passion and success will be at your doorstep" ~Anonymous 

Just opting for marine biology as a career is not enough. The desire to do something for the subject is the real passion. Marine Biologist a profession where you need pure passion. Some people are very dedicated to the ocean and its aquatic life. The feeling of being with the creatures down there and watching them in awe is a completely different experience.  So if you have great feelings and desire towards the ocean, then, marine biology is the right choice as we all know enjoying what you do is necessary for progress.

So if you are an ocean lover (thalassophile) just like me, then marine biology awaits you in the university!

Extra Bites:

Why did I choose Marine Biology as my future career? 

Have your parents or peers ever told you to be an engineer or doctor? Have you ever wondered why every child wants to be an engineer or doctor? Well, if this scenario is new to you, then welcome to the life of an Indian child and student. 

I am not a broiler chicken!

My family wanted me to go to NASA or become an astronomer. Space looked appealing at first sight. But later I realised that space is the latter part. Doing something for the environment and mother Earth is the need required in the current hour. The idea of being a Marine Biologist was supported by my commitment to the ocean. When my parents heard this decision, my mother initially thought I was joking, but later she realised that the ocean is all I want. So I was no more a commoner or the common child with an aspiration to become an engineer or doctor. I was unique and not a broiler chicken( having common ideas or beliefs) 

My message to all the NOT A BROILER CHICKEN STUDENTS!

"Being different is Okay. It means you are brave enough to follow your dreams"

It is so good to hear that you have opted for something varied and unique. So don't let societal pressure falter your dreams and passion. Our environment needs more heroes and saviours. So my advice to all those who want to do more than just a broiler chicken job, go ahead and do it. Also, try to choose such a profession that is a boon to mother earth, not a burden; because when the last glacier will melt and it would be the beginning of the end, an engineer or doctor won't come to save you; so later you shouldn't regret about not doing anything for the environment. 

Not only marine biology but there are other fields where you can contribute to saving the environment. So, please!!! listen to your heart and follow your dreams!!

"Each of us can make a difference.Together we can make a change.All it begins is with a different thought and an provoking idea."

 

Thank you for giving your time to read the blog!

Please pen down your thoughts about the blog in the comments section below!

~Thalassophile ME