Nederland

German Ocean Foundation

Our mission:
From knowing to action

#DeutscheMeeresstiftung

We are committed to protecting our largest and most important ecosystem.

What drives the German Ocean Foundation

The German Ocean Foundation is a nonprofit organization that, based on scientific findings, advocates for the sustainable use and development of our ocean as the shared heritage of humanity. 

We are committed to protecting our planet’s largest and most important ecosystem and to restoring its health. We bring the fascinating life of the ocean to life, highlight threats, and give the ocean a voice because it is indispensable to human survival on our planet. 

We facilitate a constructive, collaborative dialogue among civil society, business, and government, informed by the latest research findings, and seek shared solutions for both people and the ocean. We advocate for sustainable ocean policy in Germany and Europe through education, events, competitions, and research, and work to raise ocean awareness in Germany.

What the German Ocean Foundation has going on

For the German Ocean Foundation, ocean education for all is one of its top priorities. Ocean education should be accessible to everyone—from preschool through elementary school to college and continuing education—as well as to older generations. Every project of the German Ocean Foundation includes an educational component: From the “Love Your Ocean” initiative at the boot trade show in Düsseldorf, which welcomes over 1,000 schoolchildren annually, to the annual “Sea Experience Days” on the Baltic Sea coast and the Ocean Science Exhibition aboard the Cap San Diego in Hamburg, all the way to the marine science competition, where students in 9th grade and above have the opportunity to conduct their own research aboard the research vessel ALDEBARAN. 

Furthermore, the German Ocean Foundation organizes events and projects for schools, provides teaching materials for teachers through Ocean Lovers Education and our Ocean Book, and supports young marine biologists in the early stages of their careers.

How to become active with the German Ocean Foundation

We’re always happy to welcome volunteers to support our numerous projects, particularly in the areas of media design, event planning, and education as part of our educational initiatives, but we also welcome sailing enthusiasts and experienced divers. Full-time or freelance positions are also available at the foundation.

Our ability to help the ocean depends entirely on a strong, competent, and dedicated team. We can use any kind of support in any of our 50 very diverse projects, whether you’re a marine biologist, diver, media designer, lawyer, or event manager. Here, the work—especially in media production and on board—is primarily carried out by volunteers and idealists. These include mainly students and interns, but also working professionals who use their vacation time to support our activities.

If you’re involved in a positive project to protect, restore, or clean up the ocean—or to raise awareness about the ocean—whether through an organization or on your own, we’d love to hear from you!

Get informed and take part

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