Is being a marine biologist worth it? [Vlog]

Back to some vlogging! Join me as I look for stingrays while expressing some recent thoughts I've had on marine biology as a career. Being a marine biologist is complicated - if you love the ocean it's great getting to do fieldwork and to discover new things. BUT, if you want to spend most of your time actually trying to protect the ocean through direct conservation efforts, most marine biology jobs don't really support that.

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Who am I?
I'm Dr Chantel Elston (aka Telly), a marine biologist obsessed with all things ocean, especially stingrays!

My current postdoctoral research:
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Affiliate links:
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Other social networks:

#marinebiologist #dayinthelife

[darylwilliams]

The toughest thing about becoming a biologist is getting a job in the first place. There are few of us, and when we get a job, we hold on with both hands. And I mean every kind of biologist.

[wildworld]

It's fascinating to witness a day in the life of a marine biologist through these vlogs. Reflecting on my childhood, I held the misconception that all scientists were super rich with fantastic jobs. It's only as I've matured that I've come to understand the challenges inherent in such careers. Yet, my admiration for professionals like you has only deepened, witnessing firsthand the incredible passion and unwavering dedication that you and others bring to your work.

[Lilbuddi]

By creating these videos you are allowing some priceless information to be handed down to our future generations. This is all I ask for is to be able to learn so we can share these fantastic tid bits of reality in the pond and across. God bless you Chantel. Thanks again for a video chocked full of dynamite!

[junkyoutube]

1. Be Constructive
2. Be Creative
3. Help Others
4. Do things you love (dance, music, art etc )
5. Learn / Grow

See if that fits ?

I can't remember where I got that, Maslow, Tony Robbins, I forget.

[physicsteacher]

You made perfect sense Telly. This resonates across all scientific disciplines. I was watching because my daughter is thinking of marine biology as a career. I will send this to her. Thank you so much for sharing.

[andrew]

your face at 2:50 🤪. You got my respect. Being a marine biologist is incredibly important and requires you to be so smart and invest so much time of your own.

[doug-low-carb]

When I was a kid, marine biologist was number 3 on my list of desired careers. Number one bounced back and forth between astronaut and doctor. I eventually started my career on a NASA internship doing computers for the unmanned space program.

My first week of college included freshman orientation. We met scientists and engineers in many types of science. When I saw the marine biologists I became releaved that I had chosen my other dreams. Those marine biologists LOVED their work. But about half were missing limbs from events like shark bites.

Over the years I've come to understand those folks were chosen to show the dangers of their career. Not all that many marine biologists are missing limbs. But they so much love their work that losing a limb does not reduce their enthusiasm for their work!

[RussellBWalker]

Keep up the great work. I know Plettenberg Bay really well, you live in paradise

[bradriney]

Your backyard looks to be a wonderful destination

[skyhorseprice]

I just found you by accident, but it was one of those 'happy accidents' because this channel is _lit!_
I am always glad when i find a new science channel that reveals what it is like to do real science outside the university environment. As you have so accurately shown, that life is not necessarily ideal for the research scientist who truly desires to make a contribution to science in ways that will make a difference to this planet (I was blessed to have a friend who was a scientist, and who gave me the chance to do real science from 2012--2019. Sadly, he passed away from cancer in 2019, but oh _damn_ did I ever get to see the tarnish and grime that encrusts the hallowed golden halls of academia. It's all about grant money and tenure and politics) and all the beings here who essentially live and have hopes and dreams by Her grace. Call Her Gaia or Mother Nature or the Ecosystem, doesnt change the fact that She could get along without us much better than we could without Her.
So yeah, I really enjoyed this. You are very knowledgeable _and_ you don't serve up manufactured/slanted-for-a-
paycheck data. I'm pretty sure your content is in fact the result of you being an actual scientist doing real science. It's awesome! I subscribed and am planning on sticking around.🤟

[DiveMonkey]

Completely agree! We can only hope the science is taken up into practical policy so we can see changes happen in ocean conservation, but it certainly is rewarding when it is (like the MPAs)!
Love your vids! Keep up the great research :)

[Lou_Mansfield]

I think you can reduce the downsides of being a marine biologist by producing content on YouTube so the general public starts to learn about the problems and solutions. (You can also make money from it-- there are many creators specializing on audience monetization.) Then it's up them, non-profits, or governments to implement wider changes. I wish you great success in making money and marine conservation!

[rastrosajane]

I guess there are pros and cons in every job. Effort and reward is a difficult topic. Agree that we all want to do something good and meaningful for the ocean, to make positive changes but it's hard. On the other hand, I believe every little thing matters. Even if we tell one person about a problem in the ocean and this touches the person it is already a victory. I'm more worried about the fact that people who work in marketing, sales and finance earn much more than those who love mature. And for those positions you don't need much - there are lots of opportunities and jobs. Unlike in the field of marine biology. I hear from many biologists that they change their career because there is nowhere to work... Only the luckiest and craziest stay so you can be proud 🛟⚓💪😉 speaking about vlog format, it's nice! And if you do more of this it would be great! But please don't give up other formats too. I enjoyed your marine news and talks with other marine biologists 💙🌊🐟

[MarioLamRedRebel]

My Respect and Greetings from the Netherlands 👍

[passinthru]

Sadly, you are not the only one facing a disconnect between what they do and benefiting the planet and its inhabitants. Many in public service careers are able to empathize. Thank you for what you do anyway and keep on being you.

[pmchamlee]

Sweet Telly! This 78 yr old man appreciates you and your efforts greatly! Do not despair, young lady! Your contributions to the health of our marine environment will no doubt flourish and eventually earn you just rewards. Blessings and Joy from Texas 🤠

[mqcapps]

Your video on the five things for first year PhD student was the best I've heard. Just shared it again. But I disagree somewhat on your video on what fish not to eat. I am into freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing just doesn’t float my boat.

I got my PhD in information technology and I'm not in academia; they would chase me out of the University setting for not supporting the business model approach. I use my credentials in government and I can actually say "I did that" and I can point to stuff.

The techies or "proper programmers" constantly asked me to explain to senior executives that AI doesn't exist because they want to stop wasting their time on this. I have to explain to them that information technology is not about computers, it's about profit. Senior executive have a very different interest base than server efficiency which is why big organizations get hacked on an hourly basis.

I raised the issue with some techie channels about password managers getting hacked and to them this is just another project, the consumer trauma is not a part of the equation. That's the whole social domain thing.

Okay, after a while all monuments crumble.

What I'm saying to you is that for an impact you might have to go into the senior bowels of government where policy is made. You’re going to have to get into the ping-pong match of industry trying to influence policy conflicting with the public good.

You're right in that no one is going to read that stuff unless you put in front of their face. I have dealt with a very large number of political and corporate executives over the years and only a handful of them will read anything that is more than five sentences long. This is because only the most gifted can absorb a whole lot of stuff.

[nahuelcutrera]

it's pretty much the same story for all the sciences almost... my uncle tells the same story and he is a retired biologist...

[samuelbailey]

Macrocystis pyrifia has mostly disappeared from Tasmanian waters as it apparently has been doing in Sthn. California at the same time? What is going on Globally?

[annadushenkina]

Is there anything you wish you knew/did/didn't do in the early stage of your career? I am currently studying Conservation Biology (37 years old, changing career from a completely different thing) and would be greatfull for advice. (If there is already a video - sorry, I have subscribed recently and haven't seen a lot yet)