Vast ecosystems, millions of species, and an environment that shapes the fabric of our planet — the ocean is a space that people are itching to explore. With this growing fascination, you may have encountered two fields of study that specialize in its exploration — oceanography and marine biology. However, not a lot of people understand the main differences that separate an oceanographer vs marine biologist.
We understand the confusion, especially because both of these professions explore and observe the ocean and its inhabitants. However, the differences between the two niches are a lot more apparent than you think!
Let’s unravel the mystery between the two and dive deep into their unique roles.
What does an oceanographer do?
Oceanographers are humanity’s underwater detectives! They analyze the ocean’s geography through careful research and interpret it from multiple scientific angles. Their field of expertise blends mathematics, physics, and chemistry — but their most important focus is on geology and meteorology.
They do this to understand how the ocean functions as a system, as well as how certain factors affect the ocean’s habitat and structures. Beyond this, oceanography has four niches — physical, chemical, geological, and biological oceanography!
While some of them work in labs analyzing the DNA of different species of fish, others go on the field and observe marine life firsthand. All of these play a crucial role in regulating marine biodiversity and also in the conservation of species that have become endangered due to climate change and human intervention.
What do marine biologists do?
They specialize in studying life underwater and their functions within the ocean’s ecosystem. Marine biologists leave no stone unturned as they capture data from the tiniest plankton, most aggressive sharks, and the largest whales.
While some of them work in labs analyzing the DNA of different species of fish, others go on the field and observe marine life firsthand. All of these play a crucial role in regulating marine biodiversity and also in the conservation of species that have become endangered due to climate change and human intervention.
Key differences between an oceanographer vs marine biologist
Although both professions have parts that overlap because of the nature of their study, their main distinction lies in the scope of their study. Simply put, when differentiating between an oceanographer vs marine biologist — consider what their focal point is when they survey the ocean.
Oceanographers study the ocean itself, including its movements and geological structures. Their focus lies in the ocean as an entity, rather than the creatures that exist within it. So when an oceanographer conducts research, they typically study how it’s changing and the possibility of new tectonic plates developing as the Earth ages.
Marine biologists study everything that lives and breathes within the ocean. Although they also put importance on reef structures and the geology of the ocean, the reasons for why they do so are vastly different from oceanographers. They study these structures because it’s in line with the behavior of marine life within specific habitats!
While the overlap does exist, marine biologists have to know about these things because their niche depends on the behavior of these animals and the trajectory of their evolution. So while oceanographers analyze the implications of rising temperatures changing deep-sea circulation, marine biologists assess how marine life is likely to adapt to it.
Which career path should you choose?
Only you can answer this question! If your passion lies in understanding the ocean, studying the currents, and observing the impact of climate change — oceanography is the obvious choice. If you want to monitor marine life, protect endangered species, and dive into the ocean to assess a species’ behavioral platform — go with marine biology.
Choice and preference are the most important factors to consider, especially in decisions such as becoming an oceanographer vs marine biologist. This will shape the way you impact and leave a mark on the world, and the type of life you want to live after university!
However, if you’re equally passionate about both, consider the job availability and flexibility of both options.
Oceanography is a lot more flexible given that it is a broader field of study. Your career options are a lot wider, especially in government and environmental monitoring sectors. This doesn’t mean oceanography is easy, but it does mean that you have more liberty in the sector that you can work in.
Marine biology is a lot more specialized and also highly competitive. Oftentimes, breaking into the field requires a lot more effort as you would need advanced degrees and more proficiency than your peers. If you want a challenge, marine biology packs quite a punch!
Two fields, one ocean
The choice between becoming an oceanographer vs marine biologist doesn’t have to mean limiting your advocacy and passion. Understanding one often requires knowledge of the other. Whether you’re charting ocean currents or studying dolphin communication, both careers contribute to protecting and understanding the blue heart of our planet.
Do you want to solidify yourself as an explorer of the ocean or a specialist of its inhabitants? The ocean is big enough for both, so choose wisely and unravel the mysteries that lie beneath it!
