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

Waveglider in front of Cape Town
06.07.2026

A high-resolution view of the ocean

International WHIRLS field campaign investigates small-scale processes and their significance for climate and ecosystems

The research sailing vessel Malizia Explorer in front of the GEOMAR building
19.06.2026

Baltic Sea research under sail

GEOMAR launches expeditions aboard the Malizia Explorer

Underwater picture of a seagrass meadow
03.06.2026

Europe Unites Behind First Continent-wide Seagrass Restoration Recommendations

Alliance of scientists from 17 countries calls on policymakers to protect and restore one of Europe’s most vital marine ecosystems

A shore crab underwater. It looks at the camera and raises its claw menacingly.
27.05.2026

Diving into a Fascinating Underwater World Right on the Doorstep

Educational project “Snorkeling.City” enters its third year

A blue-and-red research vessel on calm waters
11.05.2026

Better life under protection?

ALKOR expedition AL652 investigates fish communities and algae in the Baltic Sea