Heligoland (IMAGE) Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology Caption Heligoland is Germany's only true offshore island, famous for its seabirds, seals and duty-free shopping rather than for microscopic algae. But what the MPI-scientists were interested in was the fate of the organic matter once the algae die. Credit Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Naomi Esken Usage Restrictions Only to be used in the context of this publication and citing the correct copyright. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.