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

Diagram showing the various mCDR methods and their effects on the oxygen content in the ocean
13.06.2025

What helps the climate is not automatically good for the ocean

GEOMAR study analyses the impact of marine carbon dioxide removal methods on global ocean oxygen levels

Corals
15.05.2025

New Coral Gardens and Hydrothermal Vents Found in the Icy Depths of the Remote South Sandwich Islands

An Ocean Census Flagship expedition and GoSouth team of scientists found suspected new species, discovered one of the island chain’s shallowest hydrothermal vents, and explored the deepest trench in the Southern Ocean.

[Translate to English:] Ein Mann mit blauer Strickmütze hockt am Strand hinter einer Kühlbox mit blauem Deckel und hält einen Seegras-Spross hoch.
03.06.2025

Start of the Underwater Planting Season

NGOs renaturalise large areas of seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea for the first time

 Underwater photo of a snorkeller
30.05.2025

Diving into the Sea right on your Doorstep

The 'Snorkeling.City' project enters its second round

Fishermen on a boat sorting plaice. Seagulls accompany the boat.
22.05.2025

Why Europe’s Fisheries Management Needs a Rethink

GEOMAR researchers identify systemic weaknesses in EU fisheries management and are calling for quotas to be set independently of national interests