Hamburg/Berlin – Life on Earth is intricately linked with the ocean, covering 71 percent of the planet’s surface and serving as the largest habitat. However, much of its species diversity remains unknown, making it vital for human well-being to understand marine life. The new edition of World Ocean Review (WOR) 9, released today, provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge about marine biodiversity, making it the ideal starting point for anyone eager to learn about this crucial topic.
Published by maribus gGmbH in collaboration with the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM), the International Ocean Institute, and the ocean magazine mare, WOR 9 is available free of charge in both printed and downloadable PDF format from https://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-9/.
The release of WOR 9 comes at a crucial time as the United Nations High Seas Treaty officially entered into force in January 2026, with this new edition of the marine science series available in English. Titled “Marine Biodiversity – Vital Essence of Our Oceans”, WOR 9 consists of eight chapters that delve into key facts, background information, and stories about marine biodiversity. These include topics such as the genetic differences between marine species, their distribution and benefits to human society, conservation policies, and the diverse values assigned to the ocean and its biological communities.
“The ninth edition of WOR emphasizes the need for not only accurate analyses by natural scientists but also foresight from society and commitment from policymakers to conserve marine biodiversity. The decisions we make in the coming decades will determine whether we can strike a new balance between utilization and protection and successfully preserve the ocean as a source of vital natural resources,” says Nikolaus Gelpke, initiator of the WOR project and Managing Director of maribus gGmbH.
WOR 9 aims to make the complex concept of marine biodiversity more accessible by providing clear and concise explanations, along with up-to-date research data on the patterns and mechanisms of ocean life. It also sheds light on the multiple drivers of species decline and the potential for broad-scale recovery of degraded marine habitats within just 25 years.
The English edition of WOR 9, “Marine Biodiversity – Vital Essence of Our Oceans”, will be available on 29 January 2026. It can be ordered as a printed copy or downloaded as a PDF free of charge from https://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-9/.
World Ocean Review is published every two years in both German and English and has a global readership of policymakers, business players, and civil society stakeholders interested in ocean-related topics. It provides up-to-date background information on relevant ocean-related issues and is aimed at anyone wishing to contribute to discussions on marine conservation and use.
Media Contact:
maribus gGmbH
Leliah Engel
Press and Public Relations
Tel: +49-40-368076-22
Email: engel@mare.de