How to become a marine conservationist

How to become a Marine Conservationist

Becoming a marine conservationist involves a combination of formal education and relevant practical experience. Here’s an outline of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Most entry-level positions in marine conservation require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Common majors include conservation biology, marine biology, marine science, ecology, or environmental science. These programs provide a solid foundation in biological sciences, ecology, oceanography, environmental policy, and conservation principles.

Research Experience / Fieldwork Skills and Techniques
Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteer positions, or research assistantships focused on projects related to marine conservation or marine science. Experiences like these are essential to acquiring exposure to real-world conservation trends and challenges and developing applicable skills, including scientific research methods, data analysis, communication, teamwork, project management, and environmental policy analysis.

Master’s Degree
A master’s is often required for research-focused positions or advanced roles. A relevant master’s program in one of the disciplines referenced in the Bachelor’s Degree section above typically involves coursework, independent research, and a thesis project focused on a marine conservation topic.

Doctoral Degree
For aspiring marine conservationists interested in pursuing advanced research, teaching, or leadership positions in the field, obtaining a doctoral degree is often beneficial. A Ph.D. program involves conducting original research, publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, developing expertise in a specialized area of marine conservation, and writing a doctoral dissertation. For a complete summary of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does a Marine Conservationist do? section in the career overview.

After earning their master’s or Ph.D., graduates may pursue a fellowship or postdoctoral position. These are temporary positions that allow graduates to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will further prepare them for an academic career. Generally, fellowships and postdocs come from three sources: colleges and universities, government agencies, and foundations. However, some may be available in private industry.

Networking, Collaboration, and Continuing Education
Build relationships with other marine conservationists, researchers, and professionals in the field. Attend scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars, and participate in online forums and communities to network with colleagues and stay informed about current issues, research findings, and methodologies in marine conservation. Lifelong learning is essential for staying competitive in the field.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
While there may not be specific certifications exclusively tailored for marine conservationists, there are several certifications relevant to the field that can enhance one's credentials and expertise. In general, earning these credentials involves passing an examination and meeting specific education and experience requirements. Here’s a sampling:

• Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) – Offered by the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals (ABCEP), the CEP certification is designed for professionals with significant experience in environmental management, including those involved in marine conservation.
• Associate Fisheries Professional (FP-A) / Certified Fisheries Professional (FP-C) – The American Fisheries Society (AFS) offers these certifications for fisheries professionals. While not specific to conservation, they may be relevant for marine conservationists specializing in fisheries-related research, management, conservation, or education.
• Professional Certifications – Depending on one’s area of specialization within marine conservation, there may be professional certifications available that demonstrate expertise and proficiency in specific aspects of the field. Examples include certifications in habitat restoration, marine mammal observation, or marine pollution monitoring.
• Scientific Research Certifications – Some marine conservationists may pursue certifications related to specific research techniques or methodologies, such as underwater survey techniques or species identification.
• Statistical Analysis Software Certification – Marine conservationists often analyze data using statistical software such as R, MATLAB, or SPSS. Obtaining certifications or completing training courses in statistical analysis software can demonstrate proficiency in data analysis techniques relevant to marine conservation.
• Scuba Diving Certification – The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) awards a range of certifications, for beginners, divers, and divemasters and instructors. These credentials may be of interest to marine conservationists who conduct underwater research.
• First Aid and CPR Certification – Certifications in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are often required or recommended for marine fieldwork and research.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification – The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) confers this designation, which qualifies candidates to manage patient assessment, wound care, and emergencies in remote and outdoor environments.
• Leadership and Management Certifications – For marine conservationists involved in research project management, there are several certifications available, such as the Certified Manager (CM) certification offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

In addition to these certifying bodies, the following organizations provide advocacy, access to research and resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange, and continuing education within marine conservation and the broader marine science community:

• Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
• International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC)
• Marine Conservation Institute
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• The Ocean Foundation
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
• Blue Ventures
• International Marine Biotechnology Association (IMBA)
• European Marine Biology Symposium (EMBS)
• Marine Technology Society (MTS)
• World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS)
• The Oceanography Society (TOS)
• International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)