Frauen und Ozeane - Sandy Thomalla - Women and Oceans with Sandy Thomalla

The Kimberley in Northwestern Australia is one of the most dangerous places in the world. There, Dr. Verena Schoepf seeks a last hope for coral reefs. Can she discover resilient super corals in this extreme area that can help rebuild other reefs? Hope outweighs all risks, for without corals, the ocean would not be viable.

In the South Pacific, American Nan Hauser is fighting what seems to be a hopeless battle. Her goal is to preserve and protect an endangered humpback whale population. Due to illegal whaling, the whales around the Cook Islands have been drastically reduced and can no longer find safe havens. Despite a life-threatening illness and financial difficulties, nothing deters Nan from her mission.

Marine biologist Antje Boetius ventures deep into the Arctic. In the North Polar Sea, the dangerous methane lurking in the deep sea threatens our atmosphere. What role could the bacteria that consume this methane, which Antje suspects are in hot marine springs, play for our climate? Will she find them in time? The scientist is excited because the clock is ticking.

Dr. Alison Kock has spent years studying the great white shark. She believes they could become extinct in the next ten years. If these misunderstood animals disappear, it could have devastating effects on the seas. In areas where sharks are already missing, there are increasingly more 'dead zones' in the ocean. Despite often being criticized, giving up is not an option for the dedicated young woman.