News

18 May

ECS Workshop 2025

Workshop Summary: “Marine Mammal Conservation: Ethical Perspectives in a Climate of Urgency” As part of the 36th European Cetacean Society Conference held in São Miguel (Azores), a full-day workshop titled “Marine Mammal Conservation: Ethical Perspectives in a Climate of Urgency” took place on May 13. It was organized by Volker Smit (M.E.E.R., Germany), Dr. Luigi Bundone and Barbara Putnam (Archipelagos – Ambiente e Sviluppo, Italy), and Capt. Noel Covian (Oceano Whale Watching La Gomera and University of La Laguna, Tenerife). Noel Covian’s inspiring contribution stood out as a highlight of the workshop, where he introduced his concept “Towards Ethical Navigation:...

17 May

ECS Conference 2025

From May 12 to 16, the 36th Conference of European Cetacean Research, organized by the European Cetacean Society (ECS), took place in the Azores (Portugal). Our chairperson Volker Smit represented M.E.E.R. at the conference and played a key role in organizing a conference workshop, which we co-hosted with our partners from Archipelagos (Italy): “Marine Mammal Conservation: Ethical Perspectives in a Climate of Urgency.” In line with the conference theme, “Navigating in Waters of Change,” the workshop addressed ethical questions concerning dolphins, whales, and their protection. Among the speakers were leading figures in the field, including neuroscientist Lori Marino, philosopher Thomas...

14 May

New Book out NOW

On May 14, the new book WIR WALE (“WE WHALES”) by our vice chairman Fabian Ritter will be released. The book tells the story of the world of whales — from their perspective. As mammals who spend their entire lives in the ocean, whales and dolphins are more similar to us than many realize. With this book, Ritter dares to take a perspective shift that brings us closer to these fascinating marine mammals than ever before — supported by the latest scientific findings. Told from the whales’ own point of view, we discover how whales and dolphins perceive their environment,...

8 May

National German Ocean Conference 2025

On May 6 and 7, the first National Ocean Conference of Germany took place in Berlin under the theme “Living Oceans.” The conference had been planned by the Federal Ministry for the Environment under the previous government. Several hundred representatives from politics, science, marine conservation, and the “blue economy” gathered to discuss current issues and developments.M.E.E.R. was among the NGOs accredited for the conference. We were able to contribute two key impulses on the topic of shifting awareness in marine conservation: one in the form of a poster in the conference exhibition area, and the other as a presentation during...

30 Apr

Ship Strikes Japan

After the Japanese ferry company Kumejima Ocean Jet announced plans to deploy hydrofoil ferries in an important breeding area for humpback whales off the coast of Okinawa, M.E.E.R. joined forces with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) in a constructive protest. In dialogue with Japanese scientists, we contributed our expertise on the subject and emphasized that the high presence of whales in the region poses a significant risk of collisions—also with regard to passenger safety. Collisions between whales and high-speed ferries are not uncommon, whether in the Canary Islands or off the Japanese coast. In particular the use of nearly silent...

31 Jan

BOOT Düsseldorf 2025

Like every year, we are supporting our long-standing partner, the GRD (Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delfine), at their information booth at the Boot. This is a place for extensive networking in marine conservation and for maintaining friendships. This year, particular focus is being placed on the extraction of raw materials such as manganese nodules from the ocean floor and the many direct and indirect — and often unfortunately catastrophic — consequences this has for the entire ocean ecosystem.

1 Jan

Change in Board Members

During the annual general meeting at the end of October, several positions were newly elected, including the board. The membership confirmed the board’s proposal to swap the positions of the 1st and 2nd Chairperson. Former 1st Chairperson Fabian Ritter (left) is now the 2nd Chairman, and Volker Smit (right) has taken over as the 1st Chairman. This change is intended to bring fresh momentum to the organization’s working methods and thematic direction — especially in relation to topics such as “transformative change” and our educational work.

2 Dec

Marine Policy 2025

The world is currently changing at a breathtaking pace, and Germany must make crucial decisions for a livable future. In this context, marine conservation is a key element in addressing current crises and plays a vital role in a profound socio-ecological transformation. Healthy oceans are indispensable. Representing millions of people in Germany, a coalition of German organizations — including M.E.E.R. e.V. — has developed the paper MEERESPOLITIK 2025 – Eine Zukunft für Mensch und Meer. In these times of upheaval, it outlines the core elements of a sustainable ocean policy and clearly defines Germany’s national and international responsibilities for marine...

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