Nature & animals · Space & science
What does a
marine biologist do?
Studies life in the sea, from tiny plankton to whales.
A career guide for curious students · Grades 3–12
A day in the life
Dives or sails to collect data, studies animals and coral, and works to protect ocean life.
Skills to practise
Observation, swimming, patience, curiosity.
How to explore this path
A biology degree, then specialised study.
Training, qualifications and professional rules vary by country. Check current local requirements with a teacher or careers counsellor.
School subjects & interests
Marine Biologist connects with Biology. You may enjoy this work if you like outdoors.
TRY A LITTLE OF THIS CAREER
A hands-on activity
Draw a food chain of an ocean animal and what it eats.
Ask an adult to help. Follow the safety notes in the activity. Print this activity or save it as a PDF in your chosen language. Downloadable PDF files are in English.
For younger explorers: a simpler explanation
What do they do?
Marine biologists study fish, whales, coral, and everything that lives in the sea.
What helps?
Loving the ocean and watching closely.
Learning about the path
You study biology at college, then do ocean research.
Questions to explore next
- Which part of this work sounds most interesting to me?
- What did I enjoy when I tried the activity?
- What could I ask someone who works in this field?