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

A black-and-white research vessel with a red funnel and a crane at sea
19.10.2026

A Voyage into the Slow-Motion World of the Deep Sea

Expedition SO322 is investigating the environmental consequences of future mining of polymetallic nodules

View from the MARIA S. MERIAN as it leaves the harbour
12.10.2026

Rung by Rung Into the Depths

GEOMAR expedition investigates vertical migrations of organisms using specialised cameras

Two fishing boats on the shore, with paint peeling off their hulls
01.10.2026

Historic fishery collapse holds lessons for the present

A combination of climate change, overfishing, and social change caused the herring population in the Sound to disappear in the Middle Ages

Picture of a research vessel at sea: a measuring buoy is being lowered into the water on a line
30.09.2026

European coastal regions under pressure

10th Copernicus Ocean State Report highlights the value of ocean observation

An aerial view of a peninsula jutting out into the sea, with star-shaped groynes. On the peninsula stands a green-and-white-striped lighthouse; green meadows and a sewage treatment works can be seen in the background.
28.09.2026

Long-term CO2 sequestration: pilot project launched at the Bülk sewage treatment works

The state capital of Kiel and Planeteers are testing a method for storing carbon dioxide in the Baltic Sea, with GEOMAR providing scientific support