Posted on August 4, 2025
Can offshore structures play a role in restoring oyster reefs? That’s exactly what the Reefcovery team is researching. Flat oyster reefs have almost completely disappeared from the North Sea, but they once played a vital role, offering shelter and food to marine species, cleaning the water, and helping to stabilise the seabed.
In the Reefcovery project, a collaboration between ResourceFull, Ghent University, DEME, and Jan De Nul, we’re exploring how to bring these reefs back by using the hard materials already present in offshore infrastructure as a foundation for new reefs to grow.
Different materials are being tested to see which ones give young oysters the best chance to attach and thrive. The most promising options will be placed in the North Sea and monitored under real conditions.
Reefcovery aligns with European guidelines that aim to enhance the ecological health of our seas. The project is supported by VLAIO, the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and fits within the key focus areas of the Blue Cluster.
