Research on Germany’s only island located in the open sea: scientists at the Biological Institute Helgoland (BAH) of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research study biotic communities in the North Sea. Helgoland is the only German island located in the open sea, approximately 70 kilometers from the mainland. The rocky mudflat and the 35 square kilometer large submarine cliff landscape are home to the richest flora and fauna of the German coast – an oasis. Since 1892 scientists investigate this unique environment and since 1998 the Biological Institute Helgoland belongs to the Alfred Wegener Institute.