Introduction
Seas and OceansPress Tour 22 – 27 October 2017
In line with the theme of the German Science Year 2016*2017, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) invited a delegation of journalists from around the world to showcase the activities of top German research institutions engaged in marine research. Throughout the excursion, participants debated with experts on current topics, visited state-of-the-art research facilities and even discovered some interesting (and alarming) facts about our seas and oceans.
“Wouldn’t it be a great achievement if the age of human dominance on earth goes down in history as an era of rethinking and changing behaviour?”
Professor Ulf Riebesell
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Destinations
Destinations
Outreach
Public OutreachWhat does outreach to the public mean to you as a researcher and how is this done?
Professor Ulrich Bathmann
Director, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research
Chair, German Marine Research Consortium (KDM)
Director, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research
Chair, German Marine Research Consortium (KDM)
Participants
Participants
Themes
Themes
Photo and Video Credits
Introduction, Seas and Oceans, Themes pages:
Hydrothermal vents
© MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen
Where copyrights are not shown, photos and videos taken by Focke Strangmann, Marcus Dewanger or Ruth André
Hydrothermal vents
© MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen
Where copyrights are not shown, photos and videos taken by Focke Strangmann, Marcus Dewanger or Ruth André
“...All topics discussed were of interest to me, I liked the ways the scientists tackled each topic and it is the reason I was able to publish five stories out of the trip.”Lominda AFEDRARU Uganda
Correspondent (Science Journalist), Monitor Publications Ltd, Kampala
Lominda AFEDRARUUganda
Related publications:
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 5). How scientists are tackling global warming effects on marine eco-system. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 6). Miners in Europe are shifting to deep sea mining: Lessons for Uganda. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 12). Climate change causing ocean and sea acidification. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 12). Pollution of oceans and seas harming aquatic life. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 18). Fish farming lessons from German to Ugandan farmers. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 5). How scientists are tackling global warming effects on marine eco-system. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 6). Miners in Europe are shifting to deep sea mining: Lessons for Uganda. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 12). Climate change causing ocean and sea acidification. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 12). Pollution of oceans and seas harming aquatic life. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
Afedraru, L. (2017, Nov 18). Fish farming lessons from German to Ugandan farmers. [Online] Daily Monitor 25.
“The tour was insightful as much as it was enriching. I learned how marine science research is providing sustainable solutions to address climate change, while promoting ecosystem conservation and food security.”Busani BAFANAZimbabwe
Freelance Writer, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Inter Press Service, Spore Magazine
Busani BAFANAZimbabwe
Related publications:
Bafana, B. (2017, Nov 8). Will policymakers listen to climate change science this time around? [Online] Inter Press Service.
Bafana, B. (2017, Nov 8). Will policymakers listen to climate change science this time around? [Online] Inter Press Service.
Lars BEVANGERUnited Kingdom / Norway
Freelance Journalist, Deutsche Welle, Monocle, NRK, SR, BBC
Lars BEVANGERUnited Kingdom / Norway
Related publications:
Bevanger, L. (2017, Nov 16). Living planet: Climate change´s evil brother. [Audio] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2018, Jan 18). Living planet: Deep-sea mining. [Audio] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2018, Jan 24). Deep sea mining: Charting the risks of a new frontier [Online] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2018, Feb 22). 'Fishing the last fish': Is the EU doing enough to protect fisheries? [Online] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2018, Feb 22). Living Planet: Is the EU doing enough to protect fisheries? [Audio] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2017, Nov 16). Living planet: Climate change´s evil brother. [Audio] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2018, Jan 18). Living planet: Deep-sea mining. [Audio] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2018, Jan 24). Deep sea mining: Charting the risks of a new frontier [Online] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2018, Feb 22). 'Fishing the last fish': Is the EU doing enough to protect fisheries? [Online] DW.
Bevanger, L. (2018, Feb 22). Living Planet: Is the EU doing enough to protect fisheries? [Audio] DW.
"The press tour Seas and Oceans was the best press tour ever...We had a chance to learn, to meet scientists which are known worldwide and for me personally this was a reminder how much I love my job and science."Marija BOLEVICHCroatia
Freelance Contributor, New Scientist and other online media in Croatia; Chair of the board of Association of Science Journalists of Montenegro
Marija BOLEVICHCroatia
Related publications:
Bolevich, M. (2017, Nov 11). Meet Angelika Humbert. [Online] Life Science Network.
Bolevich, M. (2017, Nov 11). Meet Angelika Humbert. [Online] Life Science Network.
“An enlightening tour — perfectly organised, efficiently managed and carefully curated research/institutes. It was a wonderful opportunity to have a first-hand knowledge of cutting-edge research in a country known for its precision in the field of science, technology and engineering.”Prasun CHAUDHURIIndia
Senior Staff Writer and Editor, The Telegraph
Prasun CHAUDHURIIndia
Related publications:
Chaudhuri, P. (2017, Nov 6). Planet Acid [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2017, Nov 12). In my marine memory, a sub [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2017, Dec 19). German Joy, on DAAD scholarships and Indians [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2017, Nov 25). Good Samaritans of the Deep [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2018, Jan 22). Liquid. Gold. But oh Fish! [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2018, Apr 19) Ocean love in Germany [Online]
The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2018, Feb 11) Grimm and not so grim tales [Online] The Telegraph
Chaudhuri, P. (2018, May 14)
Ice Spies [Online] The Telegraph
Chaudhuri, P. (2017, Nov 6). Planet Acid [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2017, Nov 12). In my marine memory, a sub [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2017, Dec 19). German Joy, on DAAD scholarships and Indians [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2017, Nov 25). Good Samaritans of the Deep [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2018, Jan 22). Liquid. Gold. But oh Fish! [Online] The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2018, Apr 19) Ocean love in Germany [Online]
The Telegraph.
Chaudhuri, P. (2018, Feb 11) Grimm and not so grim tales [Online] The Telegraph
Chaudhuri, P. (2018, May 14)
Ice Spies [Online] The Telegraph
Climate research
As the climate research community geared up for the COP 23 UN Climate Conference in Bonn, the delegation visited some of the leading research institutes in Germany contributing to the climate effort. Researchers at the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) at the Universität Hamburg, the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology and the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) showcased their research infrastructure, presented their climate prediction results and discussed the significance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
© DKRZ / M.Böttinger, M.Vietense and F.Neigenfind
© DKRZ / M.Böttinger, M.Vietense and F.Neigenfind
Professor Hans-Otto Pörtner of the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) gives an overview of the effects of climate change
Professor Hans-Otto Pörtner
Head of AWI research section for Ecosystem Physiology and Co-Chair of the IPCC´s Working Group II
“(The) IPCC is the most important vehicle that we currently have to transfer scientific information on climate change into policy and to support policy decisions based on solid scientific information.”
Simulation of changes and projected changes in September sea ice in RCP 2.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios from 1975 – 2100
© German Climate Computing Centre (DKRZ)/ Max Planck Institute for Meteorology
Sophisticated supercomputers at the German Climate Computing Centre (DKRZ) on which complex climate simulations are run
The Environmental Wind Tunnel Laboratory (EWTL) at the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg
Deep Sea Research
The delegation visited the
International Core Repository at MARUM, the Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen, which holds a collection of carefully curated core drills. Afterwards on display at Jacobs University Bremen were seafloor robots used in ocean floor exploration. Together with experts from Jacobs University Bremen and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, the delegation delved into the economic and political factors driving deep-sea mining as well as its environmental implications.
Video: Inside the Core Repository at GEOMAR
Video: Inside the Core Repository at GEOMAR
Professor Michael Schulz guides the delegation through the International Core Repository at the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM)
The “MARUM-QUEST 4000m”, an industrial-standard deep-water Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) adapted for deep-sea research
Professor Laurenz Thomsen at Jacobs University Bremen introduces the seafloor robot “WALLY”. Seafloor robots are used in the study of ecosystem biodiversity and assessment of mineral resource potential in the ocean floor
Andrea Koschinsky, Professor of Geosciences at Jacobs University Bremen, points out the economic and political factors driving deep-sea mining
Meanwhile, Dr Sven Petersen from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel describes some of the social factors driving deep-sea mining…
…and displays a black smoker chimney containing mineral deposits
Fisheries & Sustainability
Climate change and warming seas are not the only factors endangering marine life. Ocean acidification and overfishing are also decimating fish stock. The delegation met researchers from the Thünen Institute of Sea Fisheries and participating institutions from “The Future Ocean” Cluster of Excellence who are championing the cause for sustainability.
Dr Rainer Froese talks about the state and development of European fish stock at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Professor Ulf Riebesell at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel unmasks the implications of ocean acidification, "the other carbon dioxide problem“
At the Thünen Institute of Sea Fisheries, the delegation gets acquainted with the methods used in studying fish populations
Otoliths, structures from the inner ears of fish, used in estimating fish age
Dr Gerd Kraus
Director, Thünen Institute of Sea Fisheries
“…If (we) would fish less, on the long run (we) could fish more...”
“…This was an excellent opportunity to meet scientists and other journalists, and make connections that will be genuinely useful in my professional life. The marine research theme meant the tour covered an enormous variety of topics, from fisheries biology to climate science to deep sea mining, and the expertise on display at the various German research institutes we visited has provided plenty of inspiration for stories upon my return."Josh GABBATISSUnited Kingdom
Freelance Contributor, New Scientist, BBC and other publications in UK and North America
Munyaradzi MAKONISouth Africa
Senior Writer, University World News; Freelance Contributor, SciDev.Net, Thompson Reuters Foundation, Hakat magazine and others
Munyaradzi MAKONISouth Africa
Related publications:
Makoni, M. (2017, Nov 24). New funding may see spinoffs for African universities. [Online] University World News.
Makoni, M. (2017, Nov 24). New funding may see spinoffs for African universities. [Online] University World News.
Ana NEPOTEMexico
Member of the board of directors, Mexican Network of Science Journalists; member of the editorial board, Saber Más; Conductor, radio program ‟Paralelo 19”
Ana NEPOTEMexiko
Related publications:
Nepote, A. (2017, Dec). A Week in the Land of Ideas. (Spanish) [Online] Saber Más
Nepote, A. (2017, Dec 12) Mobile Science - Mónica Minjares. (Spanish) [Online] Youtube Channel Revista Saber Más
Nepote, A. (2017, Dec 22) Mobile Science - Sonia Bejarano (Spanish) [Online] Youtube Channel Revista Saber Más
Nepote, A. (2018, May 3) Germany values alliances with science journalists (Spanish) [Online] Mexican Journalists Network Blog
Nepote, A. (2017, Dec). A Week in the Land of Ideas. (Spanish) [Online] Saber Más
Nepote, A. (2017, Dec 12) Mobile Science - Mónica Minjares. (Spanish) [Online] Youtube Channel Revista Saber Más
Nepote, A. (2017, Dec 22) Mobile Science - Sonia Bejarano (Spanish) [Online] Youtube Channel Revista Saber Más
Nepote, A. (2018, May 3) Germany values alliances with science journalists (Spanish) [Online] Mexican Journalists Network Blog
Eric NIILERUnited States of America
Contributing Writer, WIRED; Adjunct Faculty, Johns Hopkins University Science Writing Program
Eric NIILERUnited States of America
Related Publications:
Niiler, E. (2017, Dec 20) Can Science Keep Deep Sea Miners From Ruining the Seafloor? [Online] Wired
Niiler, E. (2017, Dec 20) Can Science Keep Deep Sea Miners From Ruining the Seafloor? [Online] Wired
Sven PAULUSEstonia
Freelance Science Writer, Err Novaator
Sven PAULUSEstonia
Related Publications:
Paulus, S. (2018 May) World seas in the wind of changes [Print only] Horisont
Paulus, S. (2018 May) World seas in the wind of changes [Print only] Horisont
Polar Research & Research Vessels
The delegation kickstarted the excursion with a visit to the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), the Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven. From retreating ice shelves to shifting ecosystem processes, the delegation witnessed ongoing work at the forefront of polar research. As part of the programme, the team boarded the research ice breaker Polarstern, one of the most advanced research ships in the world.
The German research vessel Polarstern during an expedition into the central Arctic Ocean
© Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Mario Hoppmann (CC-BY 4.0)
The German research vessel Polarstern during an expedition into the central Arctic Ocean
© Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Mario Hoppmann (CC-BY 4.0)
The Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven.
Professor Karin Lochte of the Alfred Wegener Institute introduces the infrastructure available for polar research. In addition to its fleet of research vessels, the Alfred Wegener Institute also maintains research stations, observatories, aircraft and laboratories. These research platforms can be accessed through the Alfred Wegener Institute for use by scientists from all over the world.
The Research Icebreaker Polarstern, flagship of the Alfred Wegener Institute
First Mate Felix Lauber introduces the Polarstern research vessel
Felix Lauber
First Mate, Polarstern
“(The Polarstern) is very strong. It can stand a lot. We still do research when the sea is rough or very rough.”
Behind the scenes in the control room
The helicopter landing deck on the Polarstern
“It's reassuring to know that the wheels of knowledge is matching on in Germany despite the growing rhetoric of anti-science in some other parts of the world. I believe Germany's role as a global leader in research is being secured today as evidenced by the commitments of its intelligentsia, some of whom I had the rare privilege of interacting with during the press tour.”Kolawole TALABIUnited States of America
Research Fellow, Knight Science Journalism, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"It's amazing how committed Germany is to research and science, given the number of scientists, research centers and the variety of research issues that they work on, especially on seas and oceans issue. I wish Indonesia could be like that someday!"Ismira Lutfia TISNADIBRATAIndonesia
Freelance Journalist, Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Bangkok Post, NHK Jakarta, Spring News Thailand, Southeast Asia Globe, BenarNews.org
Ismira Lutfia TISNADIBRATAIndonesia
Related publications:
Tisnadibrata, I. L. (2018, Apr 9). Indonesian planners tackle rampant coastal erosion. [Online] Bangkok Post
Tisnadibrata, I.L. (2018, Apr 16) World's fastest sinking city Jakarta to subside 2 meters in less than an decade. [Online] The Parrot
Tisnadibrata, I.L. (2018, Apr 30) Impressive catch. [Online] Bangkok Post
Tisnadibrata, I. L. (2018, Apr 9). Indonesian planners tackle rampant coastal erosion. [Online] Bangkok Post
Tisnadibrata, I.L. (2018, Apr 16) World's fastest sinking city Jakarta to subside 2 meters in less than an decade. [Online] The Parrot
Tisnadibrata, I.L. (2018, Apr 30) Impressive catch. [Online] Bangkok Post
Gabriel TITIYOGAIndonesia
Editorial Staff (science and environment), TEMPO
"Seas and Oceans was a great press tour that gave me valuable knowledge, contacts, connections as well as new ideas and materials for my work. But most importantly, it has taught me that the fight to protect our climate and environment is an ongoing urgent battle that transcends national borders and calls for utmost passion and dedication across sectors and fields. Such dedication that I have seen in German scientists and researchers during the one-week tour therefore has strongly motivated me to work harder as a young journalist."Ngoc TRANVietnam
Junior News Editor, Vietnam News Agency; Staff Writer, Vietnam News Agency Television Centre; Contributing Writer, News, Vietnam
Ngoc TRANVietnam
Related publications:
Tran, N. (2017, Nov 14). Fast-paced ocean acidification threatens marine life across species. (Vietnamese) [Online] Access via Vietnamplus.
Tran, N. (2017, Nov 21). Countries and cities face disappearance as sea levels continue to rise. (Vietnamese) [Online] Access via Vietnamplus.
Tran, N. (2017, Dec 1). Mangroves - An underrated yet powerful shield against climate change. (Vietnamese) [Online] Tin Moi Truong
Tran, N. (2018, Jan 16) WHO: 250,000 additional deaths per year due to extreme heat (Vietnamese) [Online] Vietnamplus
Tran, N. (2017, Nov 14). Fast-paced ocean acidification threatens marine life across species. (Vietnamese) [Online] Access via Vietnamplus.
Tran, N. (2017, Nov 21). Countries and cities face disappearance as sea levels continue to rise. (Vietnamese) [Online] Access via Vietnamplus.
Tran, N. (2017, Dec 1). Mangroves - An underrated yet powerful shield against climate change. (Vietnamese) [Online] Tin Moi Truong
Tran, N. (2018, Jan 16) WHO: 250,000 additional deaths per year due to extreme heat (Vietnamese) [Online] Vietnamplus
Jayan TRILOKYAMANGALAM VARRIEMIndia
Senior Deputy Editor, The Hindu Business Line
Jayan TRILOKYAMANGALAM VARRIEMIndia
Related publications:
Trilokyamangalam Varriem, J. (2017, Nov 1). Beware! Ocean acidification poses greater risk, finds study. [Online + Print] The Hindu Business Line.
Trilokyamangalam Varriem, J. (2018, Jan 5) Mussels face the heat [Online] Frontline.
Trilokyamangalam Varriem, J. (2017, Nov 1). Beware! Ocean acidification poses greater risk, finds study. [Online + Print] The Hindu Business Line.
Trilokyamangalam Varriem, J. (2018, Jan 5) Mussels face the heat [Online] Frontline.
Tropical Marine Research
In warm waters, reef biodiversity and mangrove conservation are dominant themes. The delegation visited the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in Bremen to explore the ecological and social impacts of human activities on tropical waters “through the ZMT lens”.
Coral reef off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia
© Pia Kegler, ZMT
Coral reef off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia
© Pia Kegler, ZMT
Professor Martin Zimmer elaborates on the status assessment of mangrove forests for conservation planning
“Mangroves are the best natural protection against coastal erosion and storm surges.”
Professor Martin Zimmer
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
© Martin Zimmer, ZMT
Dr Mirta Teichberg guides the delegation through MAREE, the marine experimental facility at ZMT for the cultivation of tropical organisms
Coral reef in Thailand
© Melanie Bon, ZMT
Eva VAN DEN BERGSpain
Journalist and Editor, National Geographic Spain; Science Editor and Collaborator, El País
Eva VAN DEN BERGSpain
Related publications:
Van Den Berg, E. (2017, Nov 20). Three years left to save the planet. (Spanish) [Online] El País.
Van Den Berg, E. (2017, Dec 11). Microplastics in the sea: possible vector of diseases? (Spanish) [Online] Fundación Aquae.
Van Den Berg, E. (2018, Feb 2). Proyecto BIOACID: evaluando los efectos de la acidificación de los océanos (Spanish) [Online] Fundación Aquae.
Van den Berg, E. (2018, April). BIOACID: Qué pasa cuando el mar cambia su pH (Spanish) [only in Print] National Geographics.
Van Den Berg, E. (2017, Nov 20). Three years left to save the planet. (Spanish) [Online] El País.
Van Den Berg, E. (2017, Dec 11). Microplastics in the sea: possible vector of diseases? (Spanish) [Online] Fundación Aquae.
Van Den Berg, E. (2018, Feb 2). Proyecto BIOACID: evaluando los efectos de la acidificación de los océanos (Spanish) [Online] Fundación Aquae.
Van den Berg, E. (2018, April). BIOACID: Qué pasa cuando el mar cambia su pH (Spanish) [only in Print] National Geographics.
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Seas and Oceans
Destinations
Public Outreach
Participants
Themes
Participants
Lominda AFEDRARU
Busani BAFANA
Lars BEVANGER
Marija BOLEVICH
Prasun CHAUDHURI
Climate research
Deep Sea Research
Fisheries & Sustainability
Josh GABBATISS
Munyaradzi MAKONI
Ana NEPOTE
Eric NIILER
Sven PAULUS
Polar Research & Research Vessels
Kolawole TALABI
Ismira Lutfia TISNADIBRATA
Gabriel TITIYOGA
Ngoc TRAN
Jayan TRILOKYAMANGALAM VARRIEM
Tropical Marine Research
Eva VAN DEN BERG
Seas and Oceans
Destinations
Public Outreach
Participants
Themes
Participants
Lominda AFEDRARU
Busani BAFANA
Lars BEVANGER
Marija BOLEVICH
Prasun CHAUDHURI
Climate research
Deep Sea Research
Fisheries & Sustainability
Josh GABBATISS
Munyaradzi MAKONI
Ana NEPOTE
Eric NIILER
Sven PAULUS
Polar Research & Research Vessels
Kolawole TALABI
Ismira Lutfia TISNADIBRATA
Gabriel TITIYOGA
Ngoc TRAN
Jayan TRILOKYAMANGALAM VARRIEM
Tropical Marine Research
Eva VAN DEN BERG
