How to Be Shark Biologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 25, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Shark biologists are scientists who study the behavior, life cycles, and habitats of sharks. Their research is essential to understanding these marine animals and protecting them from human-caused threats. As shark biologists gain a better understanding of the species, they can identify the causes of population declines and develop strategies to help reverse the trend.

Conservation efforts, such as the creation of safe havens for sharks or fishing regulations, could potentially reduce the negative effects of human activities on shark populations, such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and bycatch. shark biologists are also working to educate the public about the importance of sharks and how they play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem. By increasing people's awareness and appreciation for sharks, more resources can be dedicated to their conservation and protection.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in biology or a related field is required to become a shark biologist. Coursework should include classes in marine biology, ecology, zoology, and chemistry.
Take Additional Courses. To increase chances of finding a job as a shark biologist, students may want to take classes in oceanography, fish biology, and other marine studies.
Get Field Experience. Students should also gain experience in the field by volunteering or interning at aquariums or research institutes. This will help to make them more attractive to potential employers.
Consider Graduate School. A master's degree or doctorate in marine science or ecology can help a person pursue a career as a shark biologist.
Get Certified. Certification from the American Fisheries Society can help to advance a career in shark biology.
Find a Job. Shark biologists can find work in university research facilities, aquariums, and federal or state fish and wildlife agencies.

The career of a Shark Biologist is an exciting and rewarding one, but also highly competitive. To stay ahead in the field and remain qualified, it is important to continuously stay up to date with the latest research, technology and techniques. developing strong communication and problem-solving skills can help Shark Biologists better understand and interpret data, collaborate effectively with peers, and identify solutions to complex problems.

Finally, networking and attending conferences related to the field is an invaluable way to stay ahead of the curve and learn from experienced professionals in the industry. By following these steps, Shark Biologists can ensure they stay qualified and at the top of their field.

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Job Description

Collect and analyze shark population data
Monitor shark movements and behavior
Develop research protocols to study shark behavior
Observe and document shark behavior in the wild
Prepare and submit grant proposals to secure research funding
Disseminate research findings through presentations and scientific publications
Provide guidance to students interested in shark biology
Collaborate with other biologists and stakeholders on conservation efforts
Develop educational materials and programs to increase public awareness of sharks
Participate in outreach activities to promote awareness of shark biology and conservation

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of shark anatomy, physiology, and behavior
Understanding of shark ecology, including habitat preferences and migratory patterns
Familiarity with the latest research on sharks and related species
Ability to identify shark species by sight and/or sound
Proficiency in the use of underwater research equipment
Expertise in data collection and analysis methods related to shark biology
Experience in developing and implementing conservation strategies for sharks
Ability to provide public education about the importance of sharks and their conservation
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a scientific team

Shark biologists must possess a wide range of skills in order to effectively study and research these amazing creatures. The most important skill for a shark biologist to have is strong analytical ability. Shark biologists must be able to observe and analyze data from the field, develop hypotheses, and draw conclusions.

They must also be comfortable working with sophisticated computer programs and other technological tools to record and analyze the data they collect. shark biologists must have excellent communication skills in order to present their findings to the scientific community and the general public. Finally, shark biologists must have an extensive knowledge of the biology and ecology of sharks, as well as a deep understanding of their behavior in different environments.

With all of these skills, shark biologists can work to protect these animals and better understand their role in our planets delicate ecosystems.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a shark biologist?
What research have you conducted on sharks?
What challenges do you face in the field of shark biology?
How do you ensure the safety of yourself and others while studying sharks?
How do you think the public can be educated about the importance of sharks in the marine ecosystem?
What methods do you use to collect data on sharks?
What techniques do you use to identify different species of sharks?
How do you think climate change will affect shark populations in the future?
What steps have you taken to protect threatened species of sharks?
What strategies do you use to communicate your research findings to the public and other scientists?

Common Tools in Industry

Aquatic Acoustic Telemetry System. Used to track and monitor the movements of aquatic animals such as sharks. (eg: Vemco V9 acoustic receiver)
Underwater Video Cameras. Used to observe and record shark behavior in their natural habitat. (eg: GoPro Hero 8)
Side Scan Sonar. Used to map the sea floor and to detect objects such as sharks. (eg: Humminbird HELIX 5)
Digital Measurement Calipers. Used to measure the size of sharks. (eg: Mitutoyo 500-196-30)
Submersible Video Camera Rig. Used to capture footage of deep sea sharks. (eg: Aquatica 8K)
DNA Sequencing Technology. Used to analyze and identify shark species. (eg: Illumina MiSeq)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Elasmobranch Society
American Fisheries Society
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The International Society for Reef Studies
The Society for Marine Mammalogy
The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
The World Conservation Union
The Marine Conservation Society
The International Society for Conservation Biology

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Common Important Terms

Marine Biology. The scientific study of organisms and ecosystems in the ocean.
Ichthyology. The scientific study of fish.
Elasmobranch. A subclass of fish including sharks, rays, and skates.
Taxonomy. The science of classifying organisms based on their characteristics.
Morphology. The study of the form and structure of organisms.
Genetics. The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
Ecology. The study of the relationships between living things and their environment.
Physiology. The study of the functioning of living organisms.
Behavior. The study of how animals behave and interact with their environment.
Conservation. The protection and management of natural resources and habitats in order to preserve biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What type of degree is needed to become a Shark Biologist? A1: A Shark Biologist typically needs a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science or a related field. Q2: How many species of sharks are there? A2: There are over 500 known species of sharks. Q3: What are the primary responsibilities of a Shark Biologist? A3: Primary responsibilities of a Shark Biologist include researching and studying sharks, recording data on their behavior, habitats and populations, and conducting educational outreach. Q4: What type of job outlook can a Shark Biologist expect? A4: The job outlook for Shark Biologists is expected to be relatively strong, with an estimated 8% growth in employment from 2018 to 2028. Q5: What is the average salary for a Shark Biologist? A5: The average salary for a Shark Biologist is $64,890 per year.