Abstract
The primary objective of the Rich North Sea (DRN) is the creation of reefs and elevate biodiversity within North Sea offshore wind farms (OWFs). This goal is pursued through developing and implementing Nature Enhancement Options within multiple offshore windfarms (OWFs).
Reefs will be constructed using species like flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) and tubeworms, along with artificial structures. This program addresses supply chain issues for reef-building organisms in nature enhancement projects. Simultaneously, advocating for new policies encouraging the integration of nature development and offshore wind energy. The knowledge developed will be openly accessible through a 'Toolbox for Nature Development in OWFs’, aiming for the long-term goal of establishing rich underwater life and making nature-enhancing measures the new standard in OWF construction.
At the Dutch Offshore Wind Farm Gemini, situated within the ZeeEnergie area (depicted as the blue grid on Map 1), DRN is conducting research on a nature enhancement project focused on (re)introducing native O. edulis. To achieve this, bigbags containing BESE-reef paste, (oyster) shell material, and living adult O. edulis were deployed on November 11th and 12th, 2022. These deployments were executed across three specific areas, as indicated on Map 2. In Area 1, a total of 10 big bags were deployed, utilizing oyster shells as substrate, and containing 560 O. edulis from which 55 tagged. Moving to Area 2, 12 big bags were strategically placed, employing BESE-reef paste as substrate, and accommodating 672 O. edulis. Area 3 featured 11 big bags, incorporating shell material as substrate, and hosting 616 O. edulis. For a comprehensive overview of the deployment details in each of these three areas, refer to Table 1.
On May 28th 2023, at area 1A-D and 2, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) was deployed to assess the current status of the (oyster) shell material and O. edulis that were placed earlier in. Building upon this project’s objectives, the current endeavor involves analyzing the conducted grid surveys specifically targeting the status of the restoration affords. Aiming to assess the location of deployed (oyster) shell material/BESE-reef paste and evaluate the current presence and health condition of O. edulis within the designated areas.