Marine studies as a discipline is of expanding importance. More than 90% of Australia's population live close to its coastline. While Australia has a largely untapped marine resource, some parts of this resource (e.g. fisheries) are showing signs of over-exploitation. Coral reefs, for example, have recently been identified as one of the most vulnerable ecosystems. Marine scientists are of increasing importance and are involved in a suite of activities that aim to (among other things):

• Better integrate human usage of marine environments
• Understand and establish more sustainable management of marine biodiversity
• Develop new marine resources and industries

Graduates may find employment in many areas, including:

• Marine research and education
• Wildlife conservation and environmental impact studies.
• Marine planning and management,
• Marine resource development,
• Engineering and biotechnology
• Ecotourism and national heritage work and
• Aquaculture