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.

Biodiversity of the deep sea
Life in permanent darkness

Fisheries Research
Solutions for sustainable fish stocks

Seagrass Meadows
A wonder plant for climate protection

Corals
Endangered Builders of the Ocean

Foraminifera
Microfossils as Environmental Archives From the Sea

Plastics in the Ocean
Frequently Asked Questions

08.12.2023

Adapting to hypoxia: Zooplankton influence the efficiency of the biological carbon pump in the Humboldt Current off Peru

New study sheds light on the role of ecological adaptations in the marine carbon cycle

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23.11.2023

Funding for Cutting-Edge Research in Climate and Marine Sciences

ERC Consolidator Grants awarded to two scientists at GEOMAR

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21.11.2023

Deep-sea mining and warming trigger stress in a midwater jellyfish

New study led by GEOMAR provides insight into the effects of sediment plumes

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06.11.2023

Double faces with an important function for ocean health

Parasites in marine food webs are Professor Dr David Thieltges’ research focus who today receives the 29th Petersen Excellence Professorship

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31.10.2023

The State of the Baltic Sea 2023

Researchers from GEOMAR contribute to key report of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission HELCOM launched today

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