A number of international accords and agreements regarding the protection of the seas have been agreed upon during the pastdecades. G ermany is a partner in these accords and has committed itself to their implementation. The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) gives scientific support and advice, particularly to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB). The BfN also advises other authorities on scientific questions, among other things when they are working on development or revision of international conventions on the protection of the sea. Together with the BMUB, the BfN also takes responsibility and represents the German position on marine nature conservation in various international bodies.