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

European flat oysters on a white table
05.03.2026

How diseases spread between oyster reefs

New study reveals which restoration sites are most at risk from pathogens carried by ocean currents

Three men in suits
19.02.2026

BRIESE Prize 2025 for AI research on deep-sea mining and associated environmental risks

Dr. Iason-Zois Gazis from GEOMAR honored for outstanding dissertation

Young woman with dark curls in a laboratory
11.02.2026

Excellent Research on the Molecular Underpinnings of the Ocean

Dr Viktoria Steck is starting a new Emmy Noether Group, “Marine Metalloproteins”, at GEOMAR

Arne Körtzinger (scientist at GEOMAR) stands behind a lectern during the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025.
06.01.2026

UNESCO Chair in Integrated Marine Sciences Extended

Prof. Dr Arne Körtzinger (GEOMAR) and Prof. Dr Silja Klepp (CAU) will remain in office until 2029.

On board the METEOR, a scientist cuts through a rock sample with a circular saw. She wears ear protection and a face shield.
29.01.2026

The “Grand Canyon” of the Atlantic

How a shifting plate boundary and hot mantle material formed one of the largest canyons in the ocean