Careers in Marine Science

Where can Marine Science Take you?

Career oportunities in all branches of marine science are growing. Australia now has a Marine Exclusive Zone of 16.1 million square kilometres and has responsibility for the conservation of resources, control of pollution, and management of species in the third largest ocean territory in the world. Marine scientists will be needed to explore this area and help Australia to use it wisely. This exploration includes research in all aspects of marine science, as well as work in industry and government agencies. The Federal Government has recently released its marine and science technology plan, which is beginning to inject additional funds into expanding Australia's marine capabilities.

Fisheries management is another growing area of employment in marine science. Scientists who specialise in fisheries work towards the sound and viable management of the world's fisheries.

Our graduates have been employeed in local, state and federal government agencies concerned with coastal and marine investigation and management. These include a range of positions in coastal-based local governments, various state government organisations including the Department of Natural Resources Coastal and Estuarine sections (formerly the DLWC, and now part of the super-Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, DIPNR), Fisheries (which is now under the auspices of the Department of Primary Industries), National Parks and Wildlife Service (now part of the Department of Environment and Conservation), the Environment Protection Agency (also part of the Department of Environment and Conservation), Sydney Water, the NSW Coastal Council (under the auspices of the Department of Planning), various federal government organisations including the Department of Environment and Heriatge (previously Environment Australia), and CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research group. Others have joined private industry and private environmental/marine consultancies.

The Marine Science research and exploration industry is another major employer of marine scientists in Australia. For example, Geoscience Australia, Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia (PESA), and  Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Limited (APPEA).

Marine Science Organisations

The Australian Marine Sciences Association
NSW Fisheries (Department of Primary Industries)
National Parks and Wildlife Service
CSIRO Marine Research (Oceanography and Coastcare)
NSW Coastal Council
Department of Natural Resources (the old Department of Land and Water Conservation)
Environment Protection Agency
Sydney Water