Ocean sciences is a multi-disciplinary degree that provides a foundation for working in any area or application related to the marine and coastal environment. A person with a degree in ocean sciences is called an oceanographer
WHAT IS AN OCEANOGRAPHER?
An oceanographer is a person with a degree in Ocean Sciences (although there are other degrees). They will have a specific education in all areas related to the marine and coastal environment and will work in the field.
WHAT CAN AN OCEANOGRAPHER DO?
– Issuing of expert opinions, reports and projects.
– Management of operations and coordination of teams.
– Execution of improvement plans.
– Implementation and development of technology transfer programmes.
– Undertaking oceanographic campaigns.
– Consultancy and advice in the marine environment.
– Teaching, outreach and public awareness.
– Use and application of geographic Information Systems (GIS).
CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
– Managing and performing laboratory tests.
– Managing desalination plants.
– The exploitation of chemical marine resources for pharmacology, cosmetics, the energy sector, the chemical industry, etc.
PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
– Application of oceanography for remote sensing.
– Meteorology and climatology.
– Dealing with spills.
– Harnessing energy.
– The application of data analysis techniques and theories for physical marine phenomena
– Management and design of tide gauges, weather buoys and oceanographic buoys.
BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
– Inspection and extension work for fishing.
– Advising on exploitation, evaluation and management technologies.
– Giving expert opinions and technical advice to fishermen’s associations.
– Design, planning and management of operations and aquaculture plants.
– Management and execution of microbiological, pathological and animal health analyses.
– Supervision and management of markets.
– Application of molecular and genetic biology techniques to farming and re-population.
MARINE MANAGEMENT
– Development and planning of studies applied to civil engineering as a first step for marine environment activity.
– Evaluation and prevention of risks in the marine sector.
– Preparation and execution of coastal ordinance plans.
– Management of leisure and tourism activities, heritage information centres, protected parks and natural spaces, and centres for the restoration of threatened marine species.
– Environmental consultancy and advice.
– Management of natural disasters.
– Planning, overseeing and managing ports.
– Management of water purification plants.
– Management of aquariums and museums related to the marine environment.
GEOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
– The exploitation of marine geological resources.
– Undertaking bathymetry, cartography and geophysical prospecting.
– Modelling geological processes in the oceans.
– The regeneration of beaches.
WHY HIRE AN OCEANOGRAPHER?
– They have a multi-disciplinary education.
– They are prepared to adapt to change.
– They understand marine resources.
– They are aware of the phenomena that take place in oceans.
– They know where to find information.
– They have business awareness.
– They are able to work in a team.
WHERE DOES AN OCEANOGRAPHER WORK?
– Consultancy and advisory firms.
– Civil engineering companies.
– Fishermen’s associations.
– Canning companies.
– Aquaculture plants.
– Research centres.
– Other public and private bodies.
Downloadable leaflet on the professional competencies of an oceanographer.
Leaflet on the professional competencies of an oceanographer (Spanish) (3.17 MB)
Leaflet on the professional competencies of an oceanographer (Galician) (3.13 MB)