There are about 100 species of aquatic or marine mammals that depend on fresh water or the ocean. These species include pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sirenians. Marine mammal scientists try to understand these animals genetic, evolutionary, and systematic relationships. They also look at things like their population structure, behavior and sensory abilities, anatomy and physiology, and so on.
How difficult is it to pursue a career in marine mammal science?
Working with marine mammals is appealing because of strong public interest in marine animals and because the work is personally rewarding. However, competition for spots within marine mammal science is keen. Marine mammal scientists are hired because of their skills and experience as scientists, not because they want to work with or like marine mammals. Being persistent and having many different experiences in the field would make you a very qualified individual.
What is the average salary of a marine mammal veterinarian?
When going into the field of marine biology, especially into the workforce of marine biology, you really shouldn't expect to make a lot of money. When dealing with areas in this field, it is more so based off of your love for the ocean and all things aquatic. Marine mammal veterinarians usually make anywhere from $100,000 to $125,000 annually. If you plan to be a private practice vet, you'll probably make around $97,000 annually.
How can I become a marine mammal veterinarian?
Becoming a marine mammal veterinarian requires about the same amount of work as becoming a regular veterinarian, but with higher competition. You'll follow around about the same basic curriculum and schooling of other veterinarians, but will need to gain practical experience with marine mammals by doing things such as volunteering at an oceanarium or zoo. Your choice school's are somewhat limited, although a few veterinary schools are developing programs for things like exotic animal medicine, including marine mammals.
