Oyster reef restoration in offshore wind farm

Projects
In offshore wind farm GEMINI in the North Sea, BESE-reef paste is being tested on large scale to enhance biodiversity and oyster reef formation within the wind farm

About this project

25 big bags (25 m3) consisting of a shell and BESE-reef paste mixture were dropped on the sea floor between the monopiles to create substrate for marine life, like the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis)
Ecosysteem
  • Oyster reef
Products
  • BESE-reef paste
Results
  • The blocks stayed in place
  • Oyster settlement is ongoing
Partners

Ecological enhancement offshore wind farms

To create a suitable substrate for oyster larvae and other marine life within offshore wind farms. BESE-reef paste is being used to create blocks of paste mixed with shell material. On the seafloor this will form piles that are less likely to be buried and create a stable substrate for epifauna, lik

Erosion protection in offshore wind farms

Current erosion protection in wind farms is made of various stone and concrete structures, which must be completely removed after the life of the wind farm (20-25 years), together with the wind turbines. This can have major consequences for the underwater ecology, as it also removes all epifauna that has colonized on the hard substrate during the lifetime of the wind farm.

Artificial reefs made from BESE-reef paste

BESE-reef paste aids in improving marine life within windfarms by providing a suitable settlement substrate for marine species, like oysters. And because of its biobased and biodegradable nature, removal activities of the material are not necessary after the lifespan of the wind farm. The marine life that has overgrown the reef paste can remain and enhance the natural biodiversity in the area, even beyond the wind farm’s lifespan.

BESE-reef paste applications

The BESE-reef paste designed by BESE products can be used in  windfarms as a hard substrate. The reef paste can be put into any mold to form blocks, which can be placed on the seafloor between the monopiles or on the scour protection. Again the paste promotes the settlement of reef building species like oysters.

Another option is to use the BESE-reef paste as a coating which can be applied on surfaces of the monopile or scour protection, to enhance the settlement of shellfish species especially oysters, on the substrate.

Results

  • 25m3 of new substrate for oyster larvae and other marine life.
  • Biodegradable material which can be left on the seafloor after the lifespan of the windfarm