Antarctic adventure: Uckermärker warns of the fragile paradise!

Antarctic adventure: Uckermärker warns of the fragile paradise!

A 58-year-old family man from the Uckermark returned to Antarctica after an impressive trip. Marine biologist Fabian Ritter, who moved from Berlin to Naugarten near Prenzlau just a few months ago, warns against underestimating the fragile beauty of this unique habitat. In an urgent appeal, he warns that we must take care of the oceans and their inhabitants. Ritter is not only enthusiastic about his new home, he is also co-founder of the M.E.E.R. association, which actively campaigns for the protection of the sea and its creatures. He also recently presented his new book "We Whales", which he wrote to raise his neighbors' awareness of the lives of these impressive animals and to emphasize their similarities to us humans.

Ritter never lets go of his fascination for the high waves and the animals of the sea. On his motorhome tours he fell in love with the cosiness of the Uckermark and finally found an apartment with a lake view. He feels comfortable in the village community and quickly made friends. In order to pass on his knowledge, he is planning a lecture about Antarctica on September 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the “Hof Kokurin”. Visitors can look forward to unique images and exciting stories about the wildlife in Antarctica, including whales, leopard seals and penguins.

A paradise for whales and their protectors

Antarctica isn't the only area Ritter cares about. He is also concerned about the whale populations around La Gomera. Since 1995, over 23 different species of whales and dolphins have been living off this picturesque Canary island, about 300 kilometers from the African mainland. The Canary Current ensures ideal water temperatures, and around 15,000 whale watching tours are offered there every year. Providers like Oceano Gomera rely on sustainable tourism that does not harm the animals but gives them space to breathe and feed.

The M.E.E.R. approach and Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) aims to balance gentle conservation and whale watching. It is important to treat the animals with respect and adapt to their needs. Tours depart from Vueltas Port and last approximately 3-4 hours. Overall, it is a unique opportunity to experience the life of whales up close, as there are often only a maximum of nine passengers per boat.

Whales help the climate

Another important aspect of whale protection is its relevance in the fight against climate change. Studies, such as the “Alaska Whale Pump” research project, show that humpback whales play a central role in the food web of the North Pacific. Through their excretions, they bring valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and iron to the surface, which are crucial for the growth of phytoplankton. This phytoplankton is in turn essential for the health of our oceans and climate protection because it stores CO2 and produces oxygen.

The importance of this research is highlighted by Dr. Heidi Pearson and Vicki James, two experts in the field of whale conservation and climate change, underlined. Their work shows that protecting whales is not only important for biodiversity, but also has a direct impact on our climate.

It is up to us to take responsibility and protect the oceans and their inhabitants. Whether through the work of associations like M.E.E.R. or through personal commitments like that of Fabian Ritter – every step counts in order to preserve this fragile paradise and its unique wealth.