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.
Underwater Cinema
Eight short films give an insight into HIFMB research: from algae and seagrass to the spread of invasive species and the mathematics behind food webs to research into political processes and legislative procedures relating to small-scale fishing in Colombia. For this project, HIFMB researchers collaborated with eight international video artists.
Date: December 7 – 22, 2024
Place: Raum auf Zeit, Achternstr. 22, Oldenburg
No entry fee
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
Photosymbioses: A Coincidence of Evolution?
The new working group “Photosymbiosis” investigates the coexistence of host animals and algae – the European Research Council provides funding of 1,489,000 euros
Did you know?
Reef-building corals enhance the light available for their algal symbionts by 3 to 8 times relative to ambient light conditions.
Inside COP 16 (United Nations Biodiversity Conference)
Government representatives, international organizations, scientists, NGOs and many more are meeting in Cali, Colombia, until 1 November to develop strategies to protect biodiversity and negotiate concrete measures. Dr Ute Jacob from the HIFMB Transfer Office has an official observer status and is on site in Cali.
A Résumé on the Oldenburg Climate Symposium
The 2nd Oldenburg Climate Symposium was headlined “Climate, People, Ocean” and was meant to be a multidimensional workshop with offerings to scientists, early career professionals, students, policymakers, and the general public. A safe bet for a successful conference is to give excellent researchers the time to develop their ideas in front of the public. We invited eight speakers from near and far to give their personal perspective on the ocean climate connection.
From the Very Small to the Big Picture: A New Era in Microbiology
Microbes were the only life form on Earth for most of the history of our planet. Even today, they still make up the majority of species that are vital to the health of our planet. They produce much of our oxygen, help plants grow, maintain biogeochemical cycles and thus sustain our ecosystems.
MEET THE TEAM
Our staff are the heart and driving force of our research.