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G20-Delegates visit MARUM

Jun 2, 2017
Participants catch up on marine research in Bremen
G20-Delegates at MARUM.
G20-Delegates at MARUM. Photo: BMUB

Garbage in the oceans is a huge problem that needs to be taken seriously. The G20 states, under the leadership of a German presidency, have now agreed on a plan of action to combat ocean trash. This was resolved at a meeting of government representatives and specialists, economists and scientists, as well as representatives of civil organizations from all of the G20 states and guests of the G20 on June 1, 2017, in Bremen.

The delegates to this high-level conference obtained insights into the fundamentals of marine research during a visit to MARUM, the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen. Here they experienced “science to reach out and touch,” as described by Dr. Judith Neumann of the BMUB (Fe­deral Mi­nis­try for the En­vi­ron­ment, Na­tu­re Con­ser­va­ti­on, Buil­ding and Nu­cle­ar Safe­ty), who specializes in marine conservation.

In his introductory remarks, Prof. Dr. Michael Schulz, Director of MARUM explained that “New technologies facilitate new discoveries.” MARUM is one of only a few institutes where the staff apply with these technologies and constantly improve them. They are crucial for exploring the mysteries of the deep sea and for identifying ecosystems there that need protection. These technologies include the submersible vehicles MARUM-QUEST, MARUM-SEAL, and MARUM-SQUID with their high-resolution cameras that are essential for discovering new ecosystems. The sea-floor drilling rig MARUM-MEBO is used to retrieve sediment and rock cores that are used by scientists to investigate climate history, the deep biosphere, and geohazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis. According to Schulz, all of this would not be possible without international cooperation.

During a tour of this research center of the University of Bremen, the participants, representatives from the government, science, industry, and non-governmental organizations learned, for example, how challenging the deployment of the MARUM-MEBO is, and to appreciate what a delicate touch is needed by the submersible vehicle pilots to guide the “arms and eyes” of science in the deep sea.

G20 background:
On December 1, 2016 Germany assumed the G20 presidency. G20 is the central forum for international cooperation in financial and economic questions, with membership comprising 19 leading industrial and emerging nations as well as the European Union. The members represent almost two-thirds of the world population, over four-fifths of the worldwide gross domestic product and three-fourths of world trade. The heads of state and government meet in Hamburg on July 7 and 8, 2017.

Weit­ere In­form­a­tionen: 
Ul­rike Prange
Presse- und Öffent­lich­keit­sarbeit
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MARUM-Director Michael Schulz talks to BMUB's Heike Imhoff (rechts). Foto: BMUB
MARUM-Director Michael Schulz talks to BMUB's Heike Imhoff (rechts). Foto: BMUB
A participant compares foraminifera under the microscope - one stems from before after the extinction event 66 million years ago. Photo: BMUB
A participant compares foraminifera under the microscope - one stems from before after the extinction event 66 million years ago. Photo: BMUB
Michael Schulz erklärt den Besucherinnen und Besuchern, wie das HROV MARUM-Ray funktioniert. Foto: Volker Diekamp/MARUM
Michael Schulz explains how the autonomous vehicle HROV MARUM-RAY works. Photo: Volker Diekamp/MARUM
In the IODP laboratory, MARUM founding director Gerold Wefer shows drill cores of expeditions. Photo: BMUB
In the IODP laboratory, MARUM founding director Gerold Wefer shows drill cores of expeditions. Photo: BMUB
Michael Schulz welcomes the guests in the MARUM-foyer. Photo: BMUB
Michael Schulz welcomes the guests in the MARUM-foyer. Photo: BMUB
The autonomous underwater vehicle MARUM-SEAL.
The autonomous underwater vehicle MARUM-SEAL. Foto: BMUB