How to become a marine fisheries biologist

Is becoming a marine fisheries biologist right for me?

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Overview
What do marine fisheries biologists do?

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How to become a Marine Fisheries Biologist

Becoming a marine fisheries biologist typically involves a combination of education, practical experience, and specialized training. 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
A relevant bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for a marine fisheries biologist. Common majors include marine biology, fisheries sciences and management, biology, ecology, or environmental science. Coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, statistics, and oceanography provides a strong foundation for understanding marine ecosystems and fisheries science.

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 biology or fisheries science. Experiences like these are essential to develop fieldwork techniques (e.g., boat handling, marine ecosystems observation), laboratory techniques (e.g., sample collection, data analysis), and scientific communication (e.g., writing presenting research findings).

Master’s Degree
While a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions, 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 areas such as population dynamics, habitat assessment, or conservation biology.

Doctoral Degree
For aspiring marine fisheries biologists 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, developing expertise in a specialized area of marine fisheries biology, and writing a doctoral dissertation. For a complete summary of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does a Marine Fisheries Biologist 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 professionals in marine biology and fisheries science. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to network with colleagues and stay informed about current issues, research findings, technical advancements, and management strategies. Lifelong learning is essential for staying competitive in the field.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
While there aren't specific certifications exclusively for marine fisheries biologists, there are certifications and professional designations that may be relevant for these biologists, depending on their specific area of focus and career goals. Here’s a sampling:

  • American Fisheries Society (AFS) Certification – AFS offers multiple levels of certification in fisheries science and management, including the Associate Fisheries Professional (FP-A) and Certified Fisheries Professional (FP-C). Eligible candidates undergo a rigorous evaluation process, which may include a review of their education and work experience, completion of a written examination, and submission of professional references.
  • Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification – MSC offers certification programs for sustainable fishing practices. Being certified by MSC indicates expertise in sustainable fisheries management.
  • 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 fisheries biologists who conduct underwater research.
  • Boating Safety Certification – Depending on the specific work involved, certification in boating safety may be required, especially for those conducting fieldwork on boats. Various programs exist, many of which are recognized by the US and Canadian Coast Guards.
  • Certified GIS Professional (GISP) – The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals and awards the Certified GIS Professional (GISP) credential. Proficiency in GIS is valuable for analyzing spatial data and conducting mapping related to marine habitats and fisheries.
  • Statistical Analysis Software Certification – Marine fisheries biologists 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 and fisheries sciences.
  • Leadership and Management Certifications – For marine fisheries biologists 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).
  • First Aid and CPR Certification – These credentials are essential for any field biologist, including marine fisheries biologists, to handle emergency situations effectively.

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

  • Fisheries Society of the British Isles (FSBI)
  • European Association of Fish Pathologists (EAFP)
  • International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
  • Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
  • Ecological Society of America (ESA)
  • The Oceanography Society (TOS)
  • Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
  • American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
  • International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC)
  • International Coral Reef Society (ICRS)
  • Marine Technology Society (MTS)
  • World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS)
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC)