Marine biology is the science of life hidden beneath the surface of the water. In an interview with the program "About Science. Competently" (hosted by academician Volodymyr Semynozhenko), which airs on the YouTube channel of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Viktor Demchenko, Deputy Director for Scientific Work of the Institute of Marine Biology of the NAS of Ukraine (Odessa), Doctor of Biological Sciences, spoke about the state of the Black Sea ecosystems, processes occurring on the sea surface, the impact of hostilities on marine organism populations, the consequences of the Kakhovka disaster for the Black Sea ecosystems, measures for the protection and preservation of marine biodiversity, cooperation with international organizations, and other areas of work of the Institute.