CAREERS IN MARINE SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION :
Marine Science is the study of marine life forms and their usefulness to human beings. Under this, biology of fish and other aquatic life forms are studied. Geological and mineral wealth of the ocean and its impact on human and aquatic life are also studied.
ELIGIBILITY:
Students who have completed bachelor degree in biological sciences or in some cases, other streams of science are eligible to apply.
BASIS FOR SELECTION:
In most programmes the selection is through entrance test. Some institutes consider career of the candidate for entry.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & DATES :
Dates for entrance examinations are advertised in December-January. Announcements about the programmes are usually made between January and March in local and National Dailies.
MAJOR INSTITUTIONS :
1. Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur-760007, Orissa.
2. Utkal University, Bhubaneswar offers a course in M.Sc. in Marine Zoology.
3. Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam-530003
4. Cochin University, Cochin –682022 Kerala.
5. Fisheries Institute, Seal Shell, J.P. Road, 7 Bunglows, Mumbai-400058.
6. Goa University, Goa-403005
7. Mangalore University, Mangalore-575003, Karnataka.
8. Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), P-19, Taratolla Road, Calcutta-700088.
9. Marine Engineering Research Institute, Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai-400033.
10. School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Cochin-682016, Kerala.
11. University of Bombay, Mumbai-400032
12. University of Madras, Chennai-600005.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES :
One can start as a Researcher or Scientist after completion of the course. There are opportunities in public sector, research organisations ,academics etc. One of the leading institutes of national stature is Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, (CIFA) Kaushalyagang, Bhubaneswar . Opportunities also exist in private companies having own hatcheries and cultivation of fish processing and packaging units. These units are located mainly in Kerala, Goa, Andhra Pradesh ,Tamilnadu coasts and other coastal regions of India.
JOB PROFILE :
Depending upon the type of organisation, the incumbent will be concerned with issues ranging from the seeds (or fish eggs), breeding, farm maintenance, hygiene, quality assurance, disease control, processing, packaging and marketing.