Exhibition „The Future Ocean” in Kiel



What are the consequences of the presence of plastic in the world ocean ecosystems? In its permanent exhibition at the Zoological Museum in Kiel, the research network "Future Ocean" is showcasing what contributions research can provide to scientific solutions for future questions – following its motto: "Understanding the ocean sustaining our future." The world oceans form the largest habitat on the planet. We know that the ocean is of key importance for our existence, although, until now, we do not understand all of its processes. How does the ocean affect climate? How can we handle the oceans resources, such as fish, without harming the balance between consumption and conservation?

 

In the permanent exhibition "Future Ocean" at the Zoological Museum in Kiel these and other questions are central themes. The exhibition includes interactive elements on themes such as overfishing, waste in the ocean, animations on ocean observation, special showpieces from the ocean and alternating presentations of current research projects. When entering, the guests are already immersed under the sea: translucent photos in windows, atmospheric lighting and special exhibits create an underwater feeling.

Apart from these impressions, the exhibition representing research of Kiel Marine Scientists is mainly centered around topics on human intervention in the ocean environment, including fisheries for instance. The content is equally suitable for children, youths and adults: Interactive exhibits like the fish length game encourage independent exploration of the topic while short texts explain the scientific background.

A topic of equal scientific and social interest is "Waste in the Ocean". A theme pavilion shows the anthropogenic pollution of the oceans and its consequences for ocean and coastal ecosystems. The interactive exhibit illustrates the degradation times for various everyday items in the ocean like newspapers, diapers or plastic bottles. New elements will be added to the exhibition regularly. Climate change is another important topic of the exhibition and presents the impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms.

Furthermore, modules from previous exhibitions were integrated and offer further insights into current research and knowledge. Ocean observations are only a few steps away from a detour through the deep sea, while a special area of the permanent exhibition is dedicated to the results and projects of researchers. The interactive exhibit on fisheries shows visitors how important the right fish size at catch is and how sustainable handling of present resources can be achieved. The interactive poster on ocean observation, which was designed together with the Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design, is controlled by touchscreen and shows information on various observation and measurement systems

The exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday/Holidays from 12 am to 4 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays. Guided tours of the exhibition are available and provided by the museum upon request.

…

Homepage of the Zoological Museum