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Droppable Oyster Structures Bring New Hope for Oyster Reefs in North Sea Offshore Wind Farms

Droppable Oyster Structures Bring New Hope for Oyster Reefs in North Sea Offshore Wind Farms

Public authorities and conservation organizations have identified the European flat oyster as essential to restoring and improving the North Sea ecosystem. Offshore wind farms, with their hard substrates and undisturbed seabeds, are ideal for re-establishing this key species. The adult oysters, introduced on portable structures, serve as a source of larvae, which then colonize the surrounding rock and develop into oyster reefs. This collaboration demonstrates how renewable energy initiatives can support environmental conservation.

Ørsted and Van Oord’s initiative, Ocean Health, recently installed Droppable Oyster Structures (DOS) at the Borssele 1&2 offshore wind farm. These portable reef structures, designed for easier deployment, hold adult oysters that produce larvae, ultimately colonizing and forming reefs within the wind farm area. The installation marks a significant milestone in their joint mission to revive the North Sea’s oyster population and foster biodiversity in offshore energy sites. This affordable and efficient installation method introduces oysters on a large scale, contributing to ecological resilience in marine environments.

Historically, large-scale oyster reefs covered approximately 20% of the Dutch North Sea seabed. However, wild oyster reefs have since virtually disappeared, along with the ecosystem services they provided, such as water filtration and habitats for various fish and shellfish species. Ørsted and Van Oord aim to reverse this loss by reintroducing the European flat oyster into these waters, contributing to biodiversity and enhancing water quality.

Karin Bilo, Senior Marine Ecologist at Ørsted, commented: "The oysters were placed on the scour protection around the turbines during maintenance today. We'll monitor them with an underwater camera to track where the structures have settled and the oysters’ progress. Over time, we expect these oysters to gradually form reefs in the wind farm." She noted that the collaborative effort with Van Oord has enabled rapid development and deployment of this innovative concept.

Nienke Oostenbrink, Product Owner Ocean Health at Van Oord, added, "This pilot in the Borssele 1&2 offshore wind farm offers crucial insights into the effectiveness and scalability of this restoration method. Offshore wind farms offer a unique opportunity for ecosystem recovery, and we are dedicated to developing scalable solutions that will help revive biodiversity in European seas."

News Source- https://www.vanoord.com/en/updates/orsted-and-van-oord-install-innovative-and-scalable-oyster-structures-north-sea/

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