Expanding Offshore Wind Energy Use in Germany -- Offshore Wind Energy Use -- Strategy of the German Government -- Legal Framework Conditions for the Licensing of Offshore Wind Farms -- Protection of the Marine Nature and Environment -- Ecological Research Initiated by the German Federal Government in the North and Baltic Seas -- Research on Marine Mammals -- Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena): Investigation of Density, Distribution Patterns, Habitat Use and Acoustics in the German North and Baltic Seas -- Distribution of Harbour Seals in the German Bight in Relation to Offshore Wind Power Plants -- Research on Marine Mammals Summary and Discussion of Research Results -- Research on Bird Migration -- Bird Migration and Offshore Wind Turbines -- Research on Resting and Breeding Birds -- Possible Conflicts between Offshore Wind Farms and Seabirds in the German Sectors of North Sea and Baltic Sea -- Research on Fish -- Distribution and Assemblages of Fish Species in the German Waters of North and Baltic Seas and Potential Impact of Wind Parks -- Research on Benthic Associations -- Benthos in the Vicinity of Piles: FINO 1 (North Sea) -- The Impact of Wind Engine Constructions on Benthic Growth Patterns in the Western Baltic -- Effect of Electromagnetic Fields on Marine Organisms -- Technical Analyses -- Installation and Operation of the Research Platform FINO 1 in the North Sea -- Standard Procedures for the Determination and Assessment of Noise Impact on Sea Life by Offshore Wind Farms -- Collisions of Ships with Offshore Wind Turbines: Calculation and Risk Evaluation -- Planning Aspects -- Environmental Impact Assessment in the Approval of Offshore Wind Farms in the German Exclusive Economic Zone -- International Ecological Research -- European Review of Environmental Research on Offshore Wind Energy -- Conclusion and Perspective -- Conclusion and Perspective.