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.