Introduction Marine science sounds like an mud or fish slime. Subsequent Marine science careers can exciting career, but what exactly lab and office work may be be very rewarding. Just being does a marine scientist do and routine, but is part of the job outside and enjoying the sunrise how do you get started? in most scientific fields. Finally, over the ocean, or a beautiful City and state aquariums and scientists need to communicate day in the salt marsh, adds to theme parks usually display their findings to other scientists the challenge and satisfaction of large, glamorous marine animals, as well as the general public and understanding and helping the and television portrays marine lawmakers. Marine biologists environment. And if research biologists as divers searching for regularly publish scientific papers, does not interest you, there are the mysteries of the deep, or in and present their findings to many related jobs to consider. a cage surrounded by sharks. others. Successful biologists Education, environmental law, Actually, very few marine scientists need to develop both writing and interpretation, art, journalism, do these kinds of exciting jobs, or public speaking skills. filmmaking, and many other non- work with glamorous animals. Hundreds of different jobs, scientific fields offer a chance to South Carolina, for example, encompassing almost all other work with marine related topics has many more biologists studying sciences, exist in the general field and help the environment. shrimp than dolphins or sharks. of Marine Science. Jobs in a All of this work in the marine The reasons are simple: animals marine-related field include: science field brings us one step with a commercial fisheries value, Oceanographer closer to understanding problems or sought by sport fishermen, have Marine Mammal biologist of pollution, overfishing, habitat monetary value. State and federal Microbiologist restoration, coastal human agencies that manage these Ecologist populations, and global climate resources want to learn as much Aquatic chemist change. as possible about the animals that Aquarium curator support these fisheries, and hire Marine educator marine biologists to gather this Ocean engineer information. Resource manager In South Carolina, important Aquaculture veterinarian marine species include shrimp, crabs, oysters, clams and a variety of fishes from grouper to sea trout to swordfish. To study the life histories of these animals, and the ecology of their habitats, some scientists venture into the ocean on large research vessels, sometimes for extended periods of time. Others study water samples in a laboratory, or spend their days hip deep in marsh mud. Field work, which can be a long day sampling in a salt marsh or weeks spent at sea, requires physical strength and a positive attitude while covered with marsh Taking biological samples from Wreckfish, Polyprion americanus. Is it Difficult to Find a Job in Marine Science? Opportunities exist for well educated individuals in every branch of marine science. Many good positions are available in local, state, and federal government agencies, such as County Parks, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Preparing water samples.

What are the Educational Requirements? An inquisitive mind combined in the sciences is essential for with determination and hard understanding the complexities work contribute to the success of oceanic or biological systems. Sampling an Atlantic Sharpnose of marine scientists. And it all A well rounded knowledge of shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae. starts with a good educational science also enables you to background. interact with other scientists, and Marine science is a popular, communicate important findings As coastal development competitive field. Students who to resource managers, politicians continues to rise, environmental aim for scientific careers have and the public. consulting firms are creating jobs to strive to be the best in their A good educational for marine science graduates academic endeavors. Good background includes more in planning and coastal zone study habits developed early in than just science. Marine management. school will prepare you for a scientists need good writing and Ecotourism also offers successful career. High school speaking skills, which includes opportunities for employment. students need to develop a solid public speaking and writing of Nature-based tourism companies background in math, physics, scientific papers and grants for are searching for qualified chemistry, biology, English, and funding. Communications also interpreters to teach the public computer technology. encompasses technology and about the natural and marine High school graduates can software programs to prepare environments. Teaching positions qualify for some marine science papers and analyze data. are also available at colleges jobs, such as technicians, vessel Specialization in one area of and universities. A variety of captains and crew, but most marine science requires graduate, positions also are available at positions require at least a and often, post-graduate training aquariums and other non-profit bachelor’s degree. Students in one or several areas. After organizations. who graduate with a four-year four years of undergraduate Salaries for these positions degree in biology, marine biology, study, completing a PhD takes an vary from state to state and zoology, geology, chemistry, or additional two to six years. Most between government agencies fisheries management can then colleges offer teaching or research and private companies. As with move on to graduate school assistantships for graduate any occupation, earnings vary studies in more specific areas of students. These positions provide with education, experience and marine science. financial support and valuable responsibilities. Getting a broad background experience in the field. Will l be Helping the How do I get started? Go to http://www.seaturtle.org/ Environment? If you are interested in marine groups/ to find a turtle volunteer Marine scientists help the science as a career get started group near you. environment by working to as soon as possible. There may increase our understanding be opportunities for you to The South Carolina Oyster of marine life, and to ensure job shadow a marine scientist. Restoration and Enhancement that ocean resources will be Try calling aquariums, state, or Program (SCORE) depends on available in the future. Marine federal agencies and asking about volunteers to help restore oyster biologists work with animals that programs for job shadowing. reefs. Volunteers help build reefs, are caught for food or pleasure Internships may also be available monitor progress, distribute and may need protection from for high school and college literature and give presentations over exploitation, or use their students. to local community groups and expertise to lessen the effects of schools. For more information on environmental disasters such as oil Volunteering is another way this program visit their website at spills or fish kills. to gain hands-on experience http://score.dnr.sc.gov/. A career in marine science in marine science while at the may be different from what most same time doing your part to For individuals 16 years or people expect. A person entering give back to the environment. older, SCDNR’s Marine Game this field may not work with Many projects utilize groups of Fish Tagging Program utilizes dolphins and whales, but may still volunteers in order to accomplish volunteer recreational anglers as have a challenging and rewarding all of the necessary tasks required a means with which to tag and job. If you love the outdoors, to protect and conserve natural release the saltwater fish they and enjoy solving problems, have resources. Sea turtle conservation catch. For complete information good grades in science and math cannot be done without the on the program and how to get and possess both patience and help of volunteers that walk the involved visit http://www.dnr. perseverance, then a career in beaches every year to identify, sc.gov/marine/tagfish/. marine science may be for you. monitor and relocate nests.

Volunteers move bagged shell onto an oyster reef site This publication was made possible in part with funds from the sale of the South Saltwater Fishing Conservation & Ethics Carolina Saltwater Recreational Ocean resources, once thought to be unlimited, have declined Fishing License. The South rapidly in recent decades, due in part to the overharvest of many Carolina Department of Natural commercial and recreational species of fish and shellfish. Resources publishes an annual To reduce overfishing, all anglers should practice wise conservation Rules and Regulations booklet practices and adopt an ethical approach to fishing. that lists all saltwater fishing Size and catch limits, seasons and gear restrictions should be regulations. Have an enjoyable adhered to strictly. These regulations change from time to time as fishing trip by reading these managers learn more about fish life histories and how to provide requirements before you fish. angling opportunities without depleting fish populations. The challenge of catching, not killing, fish should provide anglers with the excitement and the reward of fishing. Undersized fish or fish over the limit should be released to ensure the future of fish populations. More and more South Carolina fishermen now practice tag and release, which not only conserves resources but also provides information on growth and movement of fish. Saltwater fishermen can further contribute to conservation by Total cost: $1666.50 purchasing a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, which is required Total copies: 13,000 Cost per copy: $0.13 to fish from a private boat or gather shellfish in South Carolina’s salt waters. Funds from the sale of licenses must be spent on programs that directly benefit saltwater fish, shellfish and fishermen. Help ensure the outdoor enjoyment of future generations by strictly adhering to all rules, regulations, seasons, catch limits and size limits, and through the catch and release of saltwater game fish.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Alvin A. Taylor, Director D. Carmichael, Jr., Special Assistant to the Director The S.C. Department of Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water andConservation Division Natural Resources prohibits COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement Division discrimination on the basis of Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources Division race, color, gender, national Don Winslow, Deputy Director for Outreach and Support Services origin, disability, religion, or age. Direct all inquiries to the Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Office of Human Resources, Board Members P.O. Box 167, Columbia, South Carolina 29202. John P. Evans, Chairman Cary L Chastain, Vice Chairman Caroline C. Rhodes Michael E. Hutchins Larry L. Yonce Norman F. Pulliam D. Glenn McFadden 13-8851 Robert R. Lowe printed on recycled paper