From April 14 to May 24, the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB), in collaboration with the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), will be showcasing the diversity of the oceans in an exhibition at the Schlaues Haus. The exhibition “Discover the Colorful Diversity of the Oceans” will open with a vernissage on April 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Showing the diversity of the oceans and conveying the fascination of this habitat - that is the motivation of marine biologists Anna Roik, Julia Strahl, and Stephanie Helber from HIFMB and ICBM. “Many people are unaware of the biodiversity of our native North Sea and what the organisms living there actually do for us,” says Stephanie Helber, describing her experiences. She is part of the team of curators who, with the help of more than 25 scientists, put together the exhibition “Discover the colorful diversity of the oceans.” This exhibition uses various exhibits to showcase the beauty, diversity, and fascination of the Earth's underwater worlds, from the local North Sea to tropical coral reefs.
However, the future of the various habitats in the oceans is currently under acute threat. The consequences of climate change pose the greatest threat to marine life and their natural refuges and breeding grounds. According to Anna Roik, climate change is leading to such rapid changes in living conditions that individual organisms have little chance of adapting. Added to this are further threats from mass tourism, marine pollution, and overfishing.
The exhibition draws attention to these threats and shows how they are being investigated in research and fieldwork by German marine scientists. The exhibition offers visitors an exciting journey from the North Sea coast to tropical coral reefs, entertainingly combining the fascination of the sea, man-made threats, and scientific research.
The exhibition was made possible thanks to funding from the University Society of Oldenburg (UGO) and the Barthel Foundation. A festive opening reception with the curators and welcoming remarks by Wiebke Schneidewind, chair of the UGO board, and Franziska Spille-Scholl from the Barthel Foundation will take place on April 14 at 1:00 p.m. All interested parties are cordially invited.
Following the premiere at the Schlaues Haus in Oldenburg, the exhibition can be booked free of charge and go on tour.
Further information about the exhibition can be found at: https://hifmb.de/event/oceans/
Contact:
Lennart Book
Schlaues Haus Oldenburg
Tel: 0441 99873398
[email protected]
Schlaues Haus Oldenburg gGmbH
Schlaues Haus Oldenburg is a place of dialogue between science and all actors in society. In cooperation with its partners, Carl von Ossietzky University and Jade University of Applied Sciences, Schlaues Haus promotes the visibility of the research landscape in Oldenburg and the region. The active networking of science and society constantly generates new impetus for the northwest. As a house of science, Schlaues Haus regularly hosts events and exhibitions. At the same time, it offers space for workshops, seminars, meetings, and conferences on several levels. By bringing together the public, science, and stakeholders from different areas of society, the Schlaue Haus is a catalyst for the sustainable development of the region. Website: https://www.schlaues-haus.de
Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB)
The Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) is a research institute based in Oldenburg. It researches marine biodiversity and its significance for the functioning of marine ecosystems. In doing so, it develops the scientific basis for marine nature conservation and ecosystem management. Website: https://hifmb.de
Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM)
The Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) is an interdisciplinary institute at the University of Oldenburg with locations in Oldenburg and Wilhelmshaven. It is the only university institute in Lower Saxony that covers broad areas of marine science in both research and teaching.