Who employs marine mammal scientists?

A variety of international, federal, state, and local government agencies employ marine mammal scientists for positions in research, education, management, and legal/policy development. U.S. federal agencies include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Minerals Management Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. National Biological Survey, U.S. Navy, Office of Naval Research, Coast Guard, and Marine Mammal Commission. Other federal agencies that work on marine-related issues include National Park Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of State, and Smithsonian Institution. Some coastal states, such as Alaska, California, and Florida, employ marine mammal scientists.

When oceanic operations, such as oil and gas exploration, production, and transportation, affect marine mammals, industry often hires marine mammal experts. Because commercial fishing operations can conflict with marine mammal conservation, some fishing organizations hire marine mammal scientists. Many environmental, advocacy, and animal welfare organizations hire marine mammal specialists. Oceanaria and zoos hire marine mammal specialists for veterinary care, husbandry, training, research, and education programs. Museums hire marine mammal specialists for educational programs, research, and curatorial positions.