The Future of Skills in Marine Mammal Science
Jobs in marine mammal science, working with whales, dolphins, seals, and other species, are not going away; they are evolving. The work is still important, but the skills you need are expanding as new science, technology, and global challenges shape the future.
Why these roles matter
Marine mammals are really important for the health of the ocean. They act like early warning signs, showing us how human activities, climate change, and other pressures are affecting the sea. UK waters have many different species, from whales and dolphins to seals, and many of them need protection. Because they live a long time, travel far, and play a key role in the food web, they can tell us a lot about how ocean ecosystems are changing. Monitoring them over time gives us vital information that helps us make better decisions about conservation and how we use the sea.
Career pathways
There are already many different routes into this field. The IMarEST Marine Mammal Career Matrix, developed in 2022, shows pathways from offshore industry and consultancy to research, conservation, animal care, veterinary work, and education. It also highlights the skills each role needs. The key message is that these careers are not just about biology anymore. Technology, data, and communication are playing bigger parts than ever before.
New tools and skills
A recent report from IMarEST and Defra, Marine Mammal Monitoring: Methods, Technologies, and Opportunities for Innovation, shows how new tools are transforming the work. Examples include:
Drones and satellites to spot animals from the air and space
Passive acoustic monitoring to listen underwater for calls and clicks
Environmental DNA (eDNA) to find out which species are present from a water sample
Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse large amounts of data quickly
These tools are exciting, but they work best when combined with traditional skills like observing animals at sea and understanding ecosystems. This is why the future of marine mammal science needs people with a wider mix of abilities, from coding and engineering to communication and problem-solving.
Breaking barriers with training
The ESB Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Training Programme was set up to help the next generation get started. It provides offshore experience, all the necessary certificates, professional mentoring, and membership of a professional body. Importantly, it also removes barriers linked to cost, making sure opportunities are open to everyone, not only those who can afford them.
Why ongoing learning matters
In marine mammal science, learning does not stop when you finish school or university. This is called Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It could be attending workshops, doing training courses, joining mentoring schemes, or going to events to hear about the latest science. CPD shows employers that you are keeping your skills fresh and ready for new challenges, which makes you stand out.
A global challenge
This focus on skills and capacity building is also part of the United Nations Ocean Decade, which includes challenge 9: Skills, knowledge, technology and participation for all. That means whatever your background, whether you are into coding, maths, engineering, or communication, your talents can help protect the ocean and the animals that live in it.
The future of marine mammal science is not about replacing old jobs. It is about making them richer, more creative, and more connected with modern technology and global needs to ensure scalability. Your unique skills and interests could be exactly what the ocean needs next.
About the Author
Niru Dorrian is a multi award-winning marine biologist with twenty years of international experience in marine mammals, offshore ecology, offshore energy, conservation, and capacity development. He is the Senior Offshore Ecologist and Marine Mammal Specialist at ESB, Chair of the IMarEST Marine Mammal Special Interest Group, a Fellow and Chartered Marine Scientist with IMarEST, a Chartered Scientist with the Science Council, a Fellow of the British Ecological Society, and the IMarEST Ambassador to the United Nations Ocean Decade. Niru has created career matrices, training programmes, bursaries, workshops, and mentoring schemes, including the industry-leading ESB MMO Training Programme, which supports early-career scientists in building skills and confidence in offshore ecology in Ireland.
Join IMarEST
If you are still studying or training, you can join IMarEST as a Student Member for free. You will get access to career resources, networks, bursary and awards programmes, and a professional mentoring programme to support your development. You can also use the letters “SIMarEST” after your name, showing employers your commitment to professional growth. Students can volunteer with the Marine Mammal Special Interest Group (SIG) and other SIGs. Find out more here: IMarEST Student Membership.
If you have already graduated, you can join as an Early Career Associate (AMIMarEST). This gives you up to five years of discounted membership, professional recognition, and continued access to mentoring and support as you take your first steps into your career.
Through bursaries, mentoring, and professional development, IMarEST helps the next generation of marine professionals succeed.
Uploaded: 24/09/25