Are there any jobs where I can work face to face with sharks?
2007-06-16 03:41:15 · 6 answers · asked by Riley 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Ahhh... yes, there are. But as one answerer already pointed out, they are scarce and the field is competitive. But that should not discourage you. if you love sharks (in other words, if you are a true elasmophile), go ahead and follow your dream. And in that case, here is what you should try to do:
1. You would want to get into a biology program and go for a PhD in biology. Make sure to not only focus on ichthyology; try to study more broadly and then narrow down.
2. As soon as you are in college (or in case you are in colleg, NOW) contact biologists working on sharks at the Mote Marine Labs or at universities and try to work there as a summer intern or more. Get involved and don't be afraid to contact folks.
How to find the "right research fit" for you? well, read papers on elasmobranch biology in journals like "Copeia" etc. You can find them in your university library. Also, contact the American Elasmobranch Society (AES) and if you can become a member. Their annual meetings are an excellent place to meet sharks scientists, learn about their work etc.
3. Don't give in! It might be a tough journey, but hang in there! it pays in the end.
4. I left shark research after a few years for various reasons, but I miss it terribly. Don't let stories like that discourage you. if sharks are what you want to study, go for it!
5. which is actually the absolute number 1: Read, read, read. Read scientific papers on sharks. Go to your university library and research the data bases for anything on sharks. Try to identify a particular question about their biology that interests you.
If you have more questions, drop me a note. Otherwise, good luck!
2007-06-16 12:49:12 · answer #1 · answered by oputz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are very few jobs and competition for those will be stiff. Becoming a biologist may be an option, but you have to get at least into a PhD program (otherwise nobody is going to take you for a serious researcher). The drawback is that you probably spend most of the year doing something else.
There is a much easier way. Get a scuba diving certification. Move to a town which has a big aquarium among them one with sharks. I know at least some of the large aquaria have volunteers help cleaning the tanks. Once you worked your way up you are allowed to clean the shark tanks as well (somebody got to do that). All you need a scuba diving certification, volunteer and being able to work your way up.
2007-06-16 08:10:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a look at Eugenie Clark's web page (below). She is known as the "shark lady" and spent her life doing research on sharks. Check out the list of places she worked (this is not for a "fun" job, but places where you can do serious research).
2007-06-16 05:37:22 · answer #3 · answered by kt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. The Cronulla Sharks play Rugby League in Sydney. Otherwise, try an aquarium.
2007-06-16 03:45:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ichtheologist
Check with Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst on Cape Cod
2007-06-16 03:44:51 · answer #5 · answered by guy o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have come to the remarkable individual, and 11.......Any way my call has shark in it and you may desire to develop right into a shark researcher, shark tracker, shark conservationist, seaworld/aquriam shark keeper.
2016-10-09 08:06:34 · answer #6 · answered by mcgahan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋