Discover the sea: New exhibition showcases the fascinating diversity of Lübeck Bay
Niendorf/Baltic Sea, 16 October 2026. The Bay of Lübeck is much more than just water, beaches, and the horizon: it is a diverse habitat where tiny organisms, seagrass, fish, and people are all interconnected. The new exhibition “DISCOVER THE SEA – The Fascinating Diversity on Our Doorstep” („MEER ENTDECKEN – Die faszinierende Vielfalt vor unserer Haustür“) invites visitors to explore this habitat from new perspectives. Photographs, microscope images, and stories from the region reveal just how closely humans and marine life are interconnected.
The exhibition opened on Friday, 16 October 2026, following the christening of two inclusive dinghies at the dinghy station in Niendorf Harbor, in cooperation with the German Ocean Foundation.
About 31 photographs from the German Ocean Foundation and the research vessel ALDEBARAN offer insights into marine research, the hidden underwater world, and work with young researchers. These are complemented by photographs by Wolfgang Köhler, who captures portraits of people dedicated to the ocean. One section highlights students participating in the nationwide Research at Sea competition as they work aboard the ALDEBARAN. The images tell the story of research projects on topics such as seagrass, PFAS, and methane – and how young people gain firsthand experience with scientific methods. At the same time, microscope images reveal the diversity hidden in the smallest of worlds: from diatoms and copepods to water fleas and marine mites. Many of these organisms are key components of marine food webs. The exhibition also features local residents and current issues in marine conservation. One image shows a fisherman from Niendorf handing over biological samples from his catch to a research team. The Niendorf Declaration addresses the future of coastal fishing: In addition to his role as a provider of food, the fisherman of the future can also share knowledge, support research, collect marine data, and participate in the conservation of marine habitats. The case of the humpback whale “Timmy”, which stranded off Niendorf in March 2026, serves as a reminder of how deeply events at sea affect people – and how important effective cooperation between government agencies, scientists, and civil society organizations is.
Through photographs, scientific insights, and regional stories, “DISCOVER THE SEA” bridges the gap between research and everyday life. The exhibition makes it clear: Every part of the ecosystem matters – and marine conservation is a shared responsibility.