Abstract
The Dutch government has set ambitious targets for the development of offshore wind energy. The development of these various offshore wind farms has an impact on the marine ecosystem, which is being closely monitored by the Dutch government. Hard substrate reefs, which include oyster reefs, are known to attract and promote biodiversity hotspots within marine ecosystems.
The project aims to:
▪ enhance the ecological value of offshore windfarms
▪ gain understanding in the establishment and development of flat oyster reefs
▪ reintroduce a native species to the North Sea which has been dominated over recent history by invasive species.
To enhance the ecological value of the GEMINI offshore windfarm with native species the (re)introduction of native flat oysters in the North sea will be spread over an area within the GEMINI offshore windfarm.
Since offshore windfarms have already partially replaced the soft sediment with hard substrates the region offers viable options for the successful establishment of a native oyster reef. With the knowledge that this brings, future reef establishments may find key aspects to consider before an effort is conducted.