The Importance of Marine Biodiversity

Ecosystem Services

All ecosystem services of the ocean are vital for both humanity and nature.

Species Extinction and Species Shifts

The extinction of animal and plant species is a natural part of the evolution of life on Earth. The influence of humankind accelerates this natural process, leading to partly irreversible consequences for the ocean.

Planetary Boundaries

Ecosystems can withstand the pressure arising from climate change and human interventions only to a certain extent.

Ecosystem Restoration

The United Nations has declared the current decade as the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration because there has never been a more urgent need to strengthen nature and restore damaged ecosystems on land and in the sea.

Journey to biodiversity

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research invites you on a journey into biodiversity. Why is biological diversity vital for our survival as humans? Researchers provide the answers in these videos. Available in German only.

The restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems

This policy paper (2023) for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) addresses the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, outlines the context, identifies challenges, and provides recommendations for action. Available in German only.

Explained: How are black smokers formed?

In Episode 1 of the MARUM information series, expert Wolfgang Bach answers questions about the ecosystem of black smokers. Available in German only.

Seagrass meadows – Ecosystem services, conservation, and restoration

Part of GEOMAR's “Discover” information series, this presentation highlights the importance of seagrass meadows as a vital habitat.

The restoration of the European oyster

The European oyster plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem functions in its habitat. Currently considered extinct in the German North Sea, it is being reintroduced through a project at the Alfred Wegener Institute.

A dive through the coral reef

Dive into one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world – the Coral Triangle in Southeast Asia. The video highlights the importance of coral reefs for humans, and the impacts of climate change on these unique ecosystems. Available in German only.

Fact check biodiversity

What is the state of biodiversity in Germany? The BMBF Research Initiative for the Conservation of Biodiversity (FEdA) provides facts, a comprehensive database, and recommendations to counteract biodiversity loss.

Information video about the upwelling area of the Humboldt Current

This short video introduces the upwelling area off the Pacific coast of South America, which provides millions of tonnes of fish and seafood annually and is considered a hotspot of marine biodiversity. Available in German only.

The changing face of the North Sea

This focus area of the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) provides up-to-date knowledge on changes in biodiversity, the impacts of climate change, and advisory services at the North Sea Office.

New species in the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea is currently changing more rapidly than it has in thousands of years. This focus area of the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) vividly illustrates the changes caused by introduced species.

Deep-sea biodiversity

The Deep-Sea Biology research group at GEOMAR studies the biodiversity of the deep sea – learn more here about the exploration of deep-sea life forms.

Marine biodiversity – The diversity of life

In this informational brochure published by the DFG and KDM, marine researchers report on the wonders and achievements of marine biodiversity, as well as the threats it faces. Available in German only.

BalticExplorer

The BalticExplorer is the sister portal to the BeachExplorer and provides identification aids and fascinating information about finds on the Baltic Sea coast. Here, you can report your Baltic Sea beach finds and contribute to scientific research.

BeachExplorer

The BeachExplorer is the sister portal to the BalticExplorer and offers identification aids and fascinating information about finds on the North Sea coast. Submit your findings and help advance scientific research on the North Sea coastline.

Cold seeps and methane hydrates

In this video on the MARUM YouTube channel, dive down to the cold seeps of the deep sea and learn more about energy sources such as hydrogen sulphide and methane.

Arctic species in climate change

Living conditions in the Arctic have changed as rapidly in recent decades as in hardly any other ecosystem on Earth. This thematic focus from the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) provides the facts.

Protected reefs in the Indian Ocean are recovering after coral bleaching

Can coral reefs regain their functions after a bleaching event? What factors contribute to the recovery of these biodiverse ecosystems? This summary of an international study provides the answers!

Database on global threats to marine mammals

This database contains various threats faced by over 120 species of marine mammals worldwide, including whales, seals, polar bears, sea otters, and manatees.

On the sense and nonsense of planting trees

In this recording of a lecture from Berlin Science Week 2022, an ecologist from ZMT explains the role mangroves can play in tackling the climate crisis. Available in German only.

Octopuses and climate change

Why cephalopods are better adapted to climate change than other marine animals, and what the significance of their spread in the North Sea could be for fish stocks and the fishing industry, is explained in this article. Available in German only.

Predatory species encroach on shallow habitats off the Brazilian coast

Invasive species present significant challenges to ecosystems worldwide, the full consequences of which are often not fully understood. How an app can aid in the study of invasive lionfish in Brazil is explained in this article from ZMT.

The ocean floor: Unexplored interface of the Earth

In this episode of the podcast series "Exzellent erklärt", geoscientists from MARUM discuss the ocean floor and the biodiversity of past eras. Available in German only.

Information video cold-water corals

In this video on the YouTube channel of MARUM, you can learn more about the diversity of corals in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Available in German only.

Information video hydrothermal vents in the deep sea

In this video on the MARUM YouTube channel, you will discover hydrothermal vents as oases of life in the deep sea.

FutureMARES

FutureMARES is an EU-funded research project that investigates the relationships between climate change, marine biodiversity, and ecosystem services.