Marine Life

From the sunlit surface to the dark deep sea: The ocean is home to a wealth of life. Many of the animals and plants in the sea are especially adapted to an existence in a certain environment – for example on hydrothermal vents, manganese nodule fields or seamounts.

Their biodiversity supports important ocean functions such as climate regulation or the supply of food and raw or natural materials. However, climate change, plastic pollution and other human impacts affect marine life. Therefore, GEOMAR Researchers investigate key ecosystems, effects of changes and possibilities for their protection and sustainable use.

 

 

News about Marine Life

Deployment of a plankton net from research vessel ALKOR during a fisheries biology expedition in the Baltic Sea.
22.03.2024

Towards a healthier Baltic Sea

GEOMAR statement on the new Baltic Sea protection plan

A research vessel with a dark blue hull and white superstructure at sea
09.02.2024

With camera systems, nets and a deep-sea Robot on an Ocean Discovery Journey

International expedition MSM126 sets sail to explore deep-sea habitats around Madeira

Posidonia oceanica
26.01.2024

Use it or lose it: How seagrasses conquered the sea

Gene analyses revealing the capacity of marine flowering plants to exist under changing environmental conditions provide clues for the conservation and sustainable use of important ecosystems

A group of young people stand on the promenade and wave cheerfully.
08.01.2024

Nocturnal artificial light in the focus of global research

Completion of this year's GAME project at GEOMAR

A metal gripper arm grips a piece of rock on the seabed
18.12.2023

Hydrothermal Mercury – the natural story of a contaminant

Human influences are responsible for the majority of mercury pollution in the ocean