How to become a marine mammalogist

How to become a Marine Mammalogist

Becoming a marine mammalogist 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 entry-level positions in marine mammalogy. Most marine mammalogists hold an undergraduate degree in marine biology, biology, marine science, zoology, ecology, or environmental science. Coursework in marine mammalogy, ecology, genetics, physiology, statistics, and oceanography is particularly beneficial.

Research Experience / Fieldwork Skills and Techniques
Seek opportunities to gain hands-on research experience through internships, volunteer positions, or research assistantships focused on marine mammal conservation projects. Experiences like these are essential to develop fieldwork techniques (e.g., boat handling, marine mammal observation), laboratory techniques (e.g., sample collection, data analysis), and scientific communication (e.g., writing presenting research findings).

Master’s Degree
While not always required, it is quite common for marine mammalogists to hold a master’s degree, which 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 marine mammalogy or a related field.

Doctoral Degree
For individuals interested in pursuing advanced research, teaching, or leadership positions in marine mammalogy, 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 mammalogy, and writing a doctoral dissertation. For a complete summary of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does a Marine Mammalogist 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 professional relationships with other marine mammal researchers, and professionals in related fields. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to network with colleagues and stay informed about current issues, research findings, and developments in marine mammalogy. Lifelong learning is essential for staying competitive in the field.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
While there aren't specific certifications exclusively for marine mammalogists, there are certifications and professional designations related to marine science and biology, and other fields that may be relevant for marine mammologists depending on their specific area of focus and career goals. Here’s a sampling:

• Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Certification – Marine mammal observers are trained to monitor marine mammal presence during offshore activities such as seismic surveys, offshore construction, or vessel traffic. MMO certification programs, offered by variety of marine science consulting companies, provide training on marine mammal identification, survey protocols, and regulations related to marine mammal protection.
• 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 mammalogists involved in underwater research.
• Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) – The Wildlife Society (TWS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of wildlife management and conservation. It grants the Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) professional designation, which is designed to recognize individuals who have met specific education and experience requirements in the field of wildlife biology and management.
• 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 mammal distribution, habitat use, and conservation planning.
• Statistical Analysis Software Certification – Marine mammalogists 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 mammalogy.
• Leadership and Management Certifications – For marine mammalogists 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 promote conservation and protection of marine mammals and support the marine mammalogy community, providing advocacy, access to research and resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange and collaboration, and continuing education and professional development:

• Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM)
• American Cetacean Society (ACS)
• European Cetacean Society (ECS)
• Marine Mammal Commission (MMC)
• International Whaling Commission (IWC)
• 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)
• Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC)