How many oceans are there in the world and how much area do they cover? Why do mangrove forests help to battle climate change and why are coral reefs also referred to as “oases in the desert”? What kind of animals live in the open ocean and how do they find food? What are the major currents on earth and what is “El nino”? Why are seagrass beds important and why do so many fish rely on their existence?

You will find answers to these questions and many more if you click yourself through the articles. Maybe you just want to refreshen your knowledge or gain some new insights. I tried to put all the information together that I thought would be good to know- don’t curse me if you are a mangrove/coral reef specialist and I forgot to mention a specific fact you’d like to read! 

New paper & film | First photos of oceanic manta rays in Fiji

The last few months have been pretty intense, with lots of different assignments, travel and the usual daily ups and downs. After three years in Fiji, I flew home to Germany in May for a much-needed visit to see friends ...
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What are coral reefs?

Tropical coral reefs, the ‘rainforests of the sea’, represent one of the most biologically rich ecosystems on our planet. Though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support around 25% of all marine life. These diverse collections ...
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What are mangrove forests?

Mangrove forests harbor a diverse group of trees capable of growing in marine intertidal environments. They do not rely on saltwater but are able to tolerate it. According to the IUCN, there are 70 species of mangroves, of which 11 ...
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Why we should stop killing sharks and start protecting them!

Sharks have been around for a very long time. They´ve been roaming our oceans for over 400 Million years – an incredible time span and way ahead the first appearance of dinosaurs 230 million years ago. Over time they have ...
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Helgolands seals – Ecology of grey and harbor (common) seals

Mid of November I spent eight days on Helgoland, Germany's only real high seas island, around 46km offshore the German mainland. I was there as part of the ISATEC cohort of 2014, studying the local aquatic flora and fauna and learning ...
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Why whales have the power to change our climate | Trophic cascades

Wondering how whales contribute to climate stabilization? Well, let me give a short explanation just before you watch the video from Sustainable human! If you are not into biology you might not have heard the term trophic cascade. It describes ...
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The story of whales – a summary and how to help!

Whales and dolphins are incredible animals - most people would probably agree with that. Though, little do most people know about these astonishing mammals and the threats they are constantly facing. I´ve put together some facts and some general info ...
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