From knowledge to action

The German Ocean Foundation is a non-profit organization that is committed to the sustainable use and development of our ocean as the common heritage of humankind following the best scientific knowledge.

We are committed to protecting our planet's largest and most important ecosystem and, where necessary, to restoring its health. We bring the fascinating life in the ocean to life, draw attention to threats and give the ocean a voice because it is essential for the survival of people on our planet.

We organize a constructive, joint dialogue between society, business and politics against the background of current research findings and look for joint solutions for people and the ocean. We are committed to a sustainable marine policy in Germany and Europe through education, events, competitions and research and are committed to improving marine awareness in Germany.

News

Recommended
German foundations call for action: KURS HALTEN for the preservation of livelihoods and for a living democracy
German foundations call for action: KURS HALTEN for the preservation of livelihoods and for a living democracy

Around the time of the Bundestag elections, the German Ocean Foundation, together with 25 committed German foundations from various social spectrums, is calling on political actors and the democratic parties in a joint declaration to stand up resolutely for the preservation of fundamental rights and a vibrant democracy in a cross-party consensus.

The German Ocean Foundation is involved in shaping the European Ocean Pact
The German Ocean Foundation is involved in shaping the European Ocean Pact

The German Ocean Foundation is involved in shaping the European Ocean Pact, which may be presented to the public at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025. 

A strategic agenda for the ocean
A strategic agenda for the ocean

The German Ocean Foundation joins the call to all European heads of state to draw up a strategic agenda for the ocean.

OCEAN FILM TOUR 2025
OCEAN FILM TOUR 2025

A unique film event for everyone who loves the sea is returning to the big screen! From February 2025, the International OCEAN FILM TOUR Vol. 11 will set sail again. On board is the brand new program full of exciting stories about the oceans.

The "love your ocean" initiative
The "love your ocean" initiative

At the "love your ocean" initiative at boot Düsseldorf, the world's largest water sports trade fair, the German Ocean Foundation welcomed more than 80 companies, initiatives, projects, universities and start-ups that are committed to marine and climate protection from January 18 to 26, 2025.

Ocean Forum on January 21 in Düsseldorf
Ocean Forum on January 21 in Düsseldorf

The Ocean Forum of the German Ocean Foundation took place on January 21 on the Water Pixel World stage of the Love Your Ocean initiative at boot Düsseldorf. Representatives from universities, NGOs and researchers spoke at the forum, addressing topics such as deep-sea mining, ocean literacy, octopus intelligence and European marine policy. 

Presentation of the ocean tribute award 2025
Presentation of the ocean tribute award 2025

We congratulate Ambiente Europeo on winning the ocean tribute Award 2025 at the BLUE MOTION NIGHT at boot Düsseldorf.

This year's winner is the organization Ambiente Europeo with the SeaLabs project. SeaLabs enables sailors to collect important marine data in remote areas and turn every trip into a research expedition. To this end, the company equips participants with affordable sensor technology and an intuitive app and uses the potential of the sailing community to obtain large data sets.

Are you interested in a Voluntary Ecological Year?
Are you interested in a Voluntary Ecological Year?

You can now apply for an FÖJ position at the foundation for the year 2025/26. You will support us in office management, take responsibility for your own projects in the field of environmental education or lead workshops for children, young people and families.

What we do

From the social networks

Research at sea 🌊⛵️ For students from grade 9 - Apply now until March 31, 2025! 👉 meereswettbewerb.de #deutschemeeresstiftung #oceans competition #oceandecade #research vessel
Good news: Portugal will be the first EU country to ban deep sea mining. 🩵 So far, only the Pacific states of Palau and Fiji have a ban. In Norway, the parties have been arguing about a similar initiative for months. Because
🌊 Take part in the German Ocean Foundation's "Research at Sea" marine competition! Do you have an exciting research idea that could revolutionize marine science? Then now is your chance! Until March 31, 2025 k
🌊✨ Exciting news! The Ocean Forum of the German Ocean Foundation, held on January 21, 2025, at the Water Pixel World stage of the Love Your Ocean initiative during boot Düsseldorf, is now live on our YouTube channel! 🎥 This annual event spotl

Why don't you join us?

Donations

A donation is the most direct way to support us in speaking loudly and independently for the oceans. Even with seemingly small amounts, we can make a big difference.

Join in

The ability to help the sea stands and falls with a strong, competent and committed team. We are always happy to receive support for our numerous projects.

Act

We can all do our bit for a healthy ocean.