North See - Nature Untamed

Join us on our journey through the coastal waters of the North Sea and admire the nutrient-rich nurseries. Life in the water column, on the surface and on the seabed are interconnected here. Algae take advantage of the sunlight and produce oxygen. Rivers feed the sea with nutrients. The coastal waters make up less than ten percent of the North Sea, but are home to by far the most marine life. How does this affect the sea birds and fish that migrate between fresh and salt water?

Discover the diversity of life on or near the bottom of the North Sea. These so called benthic species use special and spectacular tactics to survive. They dig, plane, drill, graze and filter. Most animals do this by touch. Immerse yourself in the world of shellfish, crabs, benthic fish, shrimp and graceful worms. What happens to dead animals and fish faeces when they drift down on the bottom?

There are small areas in the North Sea where there are ancient stones, completely covered with colourful sea creatures. Meet these mini reefs. Tube worms build their own natural reefs. They form an expansive carpet where young animals can flourish. Reefs of shellfish also support abundant communities. The number of oil and gas rigs and wind turbines in the North Sea is growing. These structures can also transform into reefs. Will the Atlantic cod return to the southern North Sea as a result?

Experience the full power and beauty of the North Sea. The sea with the most ship traffic in the world also accommodates natural habitats that no one has seen before. Learn that the green colour and the turbidity of the North Sea is not caused by pollution, but an abundance of algae and plankton. These micro-organisms form the basis for a healthy food chain. Herring, mackerel, porpoises and killer whales benefit from this. How do these large predators live and survive in the North Sea?