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The seas and oceans are home to millions of marine species – the essential “performers” of coastal, marine and ocean ecosystem services. They provide oxygen to breathe and food for more than one-third of humanity. If species are severely depleted or become extinct and thus lose their ecological functions, the consequences can be severe.

The ocean regulates the climate and slows global warming by absorbing a large part of the temperature generated by human-made greenhaous gas emissions. However, sea levels and water temperatures rise as a result, and the water is becoming more acidic – all of which has consequences, for marine life and humans alike.

Fish and other sea creatures are an important source of food for humans. In addition, there is the extraction of resources, the construction of plants for energy production and shipping traffic. In addition, more and more people are seeking recreation on cruises and along the coasts. Increasing use is putting pressure on marine ecosystems.

Increasing pollution from waste and harmful substances is putting a considerable strain on the oceans. Floods of plastic waste on the beaches or oily seabirds after a tanker accident are particularly visible. However, most environmental problems do not occur so openly, but far from the coast and hidden beneath the sea surface. Noise is also a serious threat to marine mammals.

Humans have also created borders in the ocean and created zones where ownership of certain areas and their resources are regulated. But ocean currents transport water masses, living creatures, pollutants and waste across borders and into remote areas. Successful ocean management therefore requires collaborative solutions aimed at protecting and using the oceans sustainably.

Despite all the thematic freedom, marine researchers need structural conditions to be able to conduct effective research: for example, interdisciplinary research networks, a shared research fleet or tailored funding. In addition to university and non-university institutions involved in active marine research, partners from society and politics are also part of the research community.