Demand for marine biologists growing, but competition for vacancies high
Demand for marine biologists is rising in:
- aquaculture, which is growing fast and needs marine biologists to help improve productivity on oyster, mussel and salmon farms
- fishery management, research and conservation, to ensure fish stocks are sustainable
- marine management for iwi.
However, the occupation of marine biologist remains relatively small, and competition for vacancies can be high due to:
- low staff turnover
- the number of graduates exceeding the number of positions available.
According to the Census, 156 marine biologists worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Practical experience helpful for securing work
You can increase your chances of securing a marine biologist job by having:
- experience working in freshwater environments
- experience working with plants and animals
- specific skills, such as diving, required to do the jobs you are applying for.
Types of employers varied
Marine biologists may work for:
- government agencies and departments
- Crown research institutes such as the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
- the Cawthron Institute – an independent science organisation
- regional and city councils
- universities
- museums
- iwi.
