Diving with seals: A glimpse into the North Sea ecosystem

Marine biologist and underwater cameraman Florian Graner is on a mission to explore a seemingly familiar, yet surprisingly mysterious habitat – the North Sea. Although well-known from above, its dark waters hide a secret life that is rarely seen.

Off the coast of Germany, Florain knows he has a good chance of encountering one of the North Sea’s rarest marine mammals - the Atlantic grey seal. The inquisitive animals have detected the divers within minutes. They are not in the least afraid and playfully investigate the visitors and their interesting equipment.

Scenes like this are surprisingly rare. Grey seals were once abundant in these waters, but large-scale hunting for their fur, blubber and meat dramatically reduced their populations. By the middle of the last century they were almost extinct in the North Sea. Only few small populations survived around Scottish coasts. Today grey seals are recolonizing European waters once again.

A small spotted catshark - this nocturnal hunter has been disturbed by all the commotion. And suddenly the seal is no longer interested in the divers. It has seen the shark. Seals will feed on almost any kind of fish, and a catshark could be a tasty meal. The shark stays completely still, hoping not to be detected. That was a close shave for the catshark. But this patch of kelp is the territory of a green crab. It's determined to be rid of the intruder. The shark is forced to move. And within seconds, the seal has spotted the shark again. A moment of hesitation - and the shark makes a quick get away. One last try, but this fish is too feisty.