An Interview – Stuart Robertson

This week on ‘An Interview with WiseOceans’ we spoke with Stuart Robertson from BIOS and ASU.

Name: Stuart Robertson

Role: Assistant Teaching Professor in Marine Biology

Company: Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Arizona State University

Top Tip: Say yes to opportunities!

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in marine conservation? 

Growing up near the ocean hooked me from an early age. Having the chance to be out on the water regularly was a real privilege—and it left an indelible mark. I then poured all my energy into building a career that would keep me connected to the ocean as much as possible!

2. What steps did you take or are you currently taking to achieve your career goals?

Initially the goal was to study Marine Biology at a University close to the ocean. This gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of marine systems and everything associated with them, while also enabling me to connect with and learn from a wide range of professionals in the field. After this I took some time away from education (which I think is really important, I think you can get blinkered if you jump straight from one degree to another, it’s really important to take stock at regular intervals, something I still try to do).

Realizing I needed to expand my skill set, I chose a Master’s degree in Marine Environmental Management, which provided the flexibility to pursue either a practical career in management or to continue into research and academia. After my Master’s (and another break in between) I was offered a PhD that closely aligned with my research interests. Though I hadn’t originally planned on pursuing one, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

During my PhD, I developed a real passion for teaching and engaging with people, whether students or the general public, to spark excitement about the environment. I seized every opportunity for science communication that came my way!

After completing my PhD and working for environmental organizations in public engagement and policy, I was eager to return to a role more closely tied to marine biology and rooted in a research institution—and I was fortunate enough to land my current role which really is my dream gig!

3. How did you obtain your current position? 

Gaining the right experience—though that sounds overly simplistic, it did take time. Essentially through the process of trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to do in ‘marine biology’ I explored different roles, met people, built a network, and gradually developed a competitive CV.

I stayed vigilant, checking job sites, email lists, and openings at institutions I was excited about. Eventually, through active searching, I found my current role! It took a lot of time and persistence (and heart ache) but most importantly…bloody-mindedness!

4. Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?  

The absolute best part of my job is using the ocean as a teaching tool! I can spend the morning teaching students about coral reef ecology or marine invertebrates, and by the afternoon, we’re in the field observing the very systems and organisms we just discussed!

That’s what makes teaching marine biology in Bermuda so special—you’re never more than 500 meters from the ocean, and I take full advantage of that. It’s an incredible way to teach, it’s awesome and I love it!

5. Are there aspects of your position which make you feel that you are really ‘making a difference’? 

Absolutely! Providing the next generation of marine scientists with the experience and the skills they need to be successful is a real privilege – it definitely gives me that feeling of making a difference, year on year

6. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were starting out?

‘Marine Biologist’ is an incredibly broad job title! From the age of eight, I proudly declared that I was going to be one. What I really meant, though, was that I wanted a job where I could spend my days in the ocean! Wildlife documentaries often portray marine biologists this way—constantly in the field, exploring the underwater world. But in reality, many spend much of their time working alone, analysing massive data sets in an office.

I wish someone had sat me down and asked me: what do you actually want to do, day to day, week to week? I’m really happy with where I am in my career now, but maybe I could have taken a more direct—and less painful—route to get here.

I wish I had spoken to more people, gathered more insight and perspectives, and explored potential jobs and career paths earlier.

7. Are there any skills you never thought you would need but did?

Communication, communication, communication! As a teaching professor, that might seem obvious, but strong communication skills are essential for success in any field related to marine biology—whether it’s research, outreach, government, or charity work. No matter the path, you need to be able to convey your ideas effectively to a wide range of audiences through various forms of media.

Get comfortable talking about yourself and your work. Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you get. Take every opportunity to present, even if it feels awkward at first. The more you do it early on, the more natural it becomes. I can’t think of a single marine biology role where you won’t need to present yourself and your work in some form.

8. What advice would you give to budding marine conservationists?  

Try to gain as much experience as possible and develop a clear understanding of what you want to do every day—because that’s what you’ll be spending 40+ hours a week on.

Being a marine biologist doesn’t always mean interacting with the ocean daily. You might spend most of your time in an office or lab, only getting into the field a few times a year. If the scientific inquiry itself excites you, that might not be an issue. But if being in the ocean every day is your priority, then research—depending on the field and location—may not be the best fit. It all comes back to what being a “marine biologist” or “marine conservationist” means to you. Be clear about what you want your day-to-day work to look like, and then find a job that matches that vision.

Also, say yes to opportunities! Meet as many people in the field as possible. If you’re at a conference or an event, go to the mixer, attend the dinner, join the drinks. So many opportunities, ideas, and projects happen through face-to-face conversations and recommendations. Put yourself out there—make sure people know who you are and just how awesome you are!

9. What is your favourite marine creature and why?

It has to be one of the spineless wonders! While many people are drawn to large cetaceans or elasmobranchs, the real stars are the invertebrates—and one of the coolest is the Bermuda Glow Worm (Odontosyllis enopla).

Precisely timed to the full moon (2–3 days after and ~56 minutes after sunset), these tiny worms undergo a stunning transformation to spawn. Normally benthic, they morph into swimming reproductive forms and rise to the surface, where females emit a pulsing blue-green glow to attract mates. Males respond with a brief flash, releasing sperm, and the synchronized bioluminescence ensures fertilization. Once the eggs are fertilized, the worms disappear back into the darkness, leaving the next generation adrift in the currents.

How can you not be impressed by the underwater disco sex of the Glow Worm?!

10. What is your most unforgettable moment in the sea?

It’s tempting to chase the big sights! There’s always a thrill in seeing something in the ocean that’s much larger than you—like a shark, a ray, or even a whale. But for pure, awe-inspiring wonder, nothing compares to the first time I swam among bioluminescent algae in total darkness. It felt like stepping onto another planet!

That, or the moment I caught my first proper wave on a surfboard!!