Many spend their day hip deep in marsh mud while still more perform research to help determine the laws and regulations necessary to protect the ocean's limited resources. Career choices are made as a result of interest or availability of employment. Marine research, for example, often requires a boat ride, which may not be as glamorous as it sounds. Field work, which can be a day spent sampling in a salt marsh or weeks spent at sea, requires physical strength and a positive attitude about being covered with marsh mud, mosquitoes or fish slime. You may be asked to work around the clock while gathering specimens.
Marine science can also be very rewarding.
Pleasant weather, the challenge and satisfaction of understanding and bettering the environment and the sunrise over the ocean are also part of the job. Remember that while research may not be for you, there are many related jobs to consider. Education, environmental law, interpretation, art, journalism and many other non-scientific fields offer a chance to work with marine related topics. Qualities such as an inquisitive mind and the determination to persevere despite many obstacles could contribute to the success of prospective marine scientists. Many interested students are eager to start research, dive in submersibles and swim with man-eating sharks, but you will need a good educational background first.