What does the underwater world of the North Sea sound like? The new audio exhibition "Peace and Quiet for the Porpoises," running from March 20th to the end of October 2026, explores this question. Nordsee Aquarium The exhibition can be seen in Borkum. The traveling exhibition by BUND Lower Saxony makes the often invisible pollution of the seas by noise audible and focuses on the harbor porpoise native to the North Sea.

In the so-called sound chair, visitors can experience sounds from the underwater world. Besides natural ocean sounds, the noises of human activities, which increasingly affect marine life, are also audible. Harbor porpoises use sound waves for orientation, communication, and locating their prey. If the noise level in the ocean rises, this vital ability is disrupted.

The harbor porpoise is one of the smallest whales in the world and is native to the German North Sea. However, its population has been declining in recent years. The species is listed as critically endangered on Germany's Red List. In addition to bycatch and plastic and chemical pollution, increasing underwater noise poses a particular threat.

The exhibition is part of the project "Porcupine Peace and Quiet," initiated by BUND Lower Saxony. Its aim is to raise awareness about the effects of underwater noise on marine mammals and to develop possible measures to reduce this pollution.

“Many people don’t know how much human activities change the underwater soundscape,” says Claudia Thorenmeier from Nordsee Aquarium"With this exhibition, we want to bring the topic to life and raise awareness for the protection of harbor porpoises."

Alongside the exhibition, visitors can watch a film about the harbor porpoise. For children, there are books, puzzles, and coloring pages all about this small North Sea whale.