A bigger picture
We research the sea and its function for humans and the environment
The Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) is a research institute located in Oldenburg. It researches marine biodiversity and its importance for the function of marine ecosystems. In doing so, it develops the scientific basis for marine nature conservation and ecosystem management.
“Türen auf mit der Maus”: Open doors at HIFMB
On October 3rd, the HIFMB took part in the nationwide “Open Door Day” organized by WDR and the “Sendung mit der Maus” TV show.
70 children and their parents were given an insight into the institute’s various areas of research. A special highlight was a visit from presenter Christoph and the Mouse. The result was a lovely little video.
Oceans are not only the richest in species but also the largest habitat – due to their depth, oceans make up more than 90 percent of the total habitat on earth.
They regulate the climate, bind CO2 and are an important food source for humans. Every second breath we take contains oxygen from the ocean.
In order for the sea to continue to fulfil these functions, which are also important for humans, intact habitats are needed. And these in turn depend on marine biodiversity, i.e. the diversity of species, genetic variants of each species and ecosystems.
How strongly and in what form this biological diversity reacts to global warming and human-induced influences is still largely unclear today.
Marine ecosystems are changing – also and especially through human influence. According to a recent study, for example, only 13 percent of the oceans can still be described as wilderness.
What do the changes in marine ecosystems mean for us and what measures do we take to counter them?
Our approach is interdisciplinary: At HIFMB, scientific research goes hand in hand with social science expertise in the analysis of social and political processes.
Biodiversity Change
Quantifying & predicting biodiversity change
Ecosystem Functions
Understanding functional consequences of change
Conservation & Management
Maintaining biodiversity & functions and enabling socio-ecological management
From tooth fish to food webs, from molecular genetic tools to underwater acoustics: dive into our current research
Diving in with “Die Maus”
“What do I have to study to work here?” a girl of about ten asks me, and I’m absolutely delighted, because it seems we’ve achieved what we set out to do: to show how exciting marine research can be and how much joy we find in it.
Did you know?
Unicellular plankton covers a size range that is comparable to the size difference between a small fish and a city like Oldenburg.
Explore the Cellular Origins of Photosymbiosis
We are excited to announce several new job opportunities in the Photosymbiosis Research Group at the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB).
“Faktencheck Artenvielfalt” – and then?
In October 2024 the first Germany wide biodiversity assessment “Faktencheck Artenvielfalt” was published. The HIFMB led the writing process of the chapter on status and changes of coastal and marine biodiversity, their drivers and consequences, as well as options and needs for action to improve its status. The assessment compiled information and data from numerous …
Hiking the Ancient Ocean Crust – Reflections on a Geological Excursion to the Tauern Window
The international seabed is the ‘common heritage of mankind’ (or humankind). In principle then, it your heritage, and mine. It is a place, as global citizens, we have rights to. But is it somewhere we can actually access? How can we enact our rights to the seabed?
MEET THE TEAM
Our staff are the heart and driving force of our research.