News

Mission with TenneT to offshore cable crossings: opportunities for biodiversity

Can offshore cable crossings help strengthen marine life? The Rich North Sea and TenneT carried out a joint monitoring mission at three recently installed cable crossings in the Dutch North Sea. The results have now been analyzed. They show which species settle on and around these structures. At the same time, this exploration serves as an important baseline for future nature enhancement measures.

New Mecal structure installed in the Offshore Test Site

This fall, The Rich North Sea and engineering firm Mecal installed a new structure at the Offshore Test Site. The installation is part of the BeWild project, in which we work with partners on innovative methods to monitor and enhance biodiversity around wind farms.

New pilot marks step towards large-scale restoration of oyster reefs in the North Sea

On 2 September, at least half a million European flat oysters will be released in the Port of Rotterdam. This is part of a new pilot project in which The Rich North Sea is involved. What makes this special? The innovative and promising method of remote setting combines nature restoration with the installation of maritime infrastructure such as wind turbines, breakwaters and subsea cables. Young oysters are attached to the foundations of platforms, turbines and cables before being placed at sea. Together with a consortium of companies, research institutes and nature organisations, we aim to bring oyster reefs back to the North Sea on a large scale. Oyster reefs have become rare, while oysters are true keystone species for biodiversity. They build reefs, filter the water, and provide habitat and food for countless other species.

New international study: 1% of offshore wind investments could restore millions of hectares of marine life

Offshore wind farms not only deliver clean energy but can also play a vital role in restoring vulnerable ecosystems both above and below the waterline. A new international study reveals that allocating just a small share of global offshore wind investments could enable the large-scale restoration of marine nature. This includes seabed habitats, coral reefs, seagrass meadows and coastal wetlands: ecosystems that are critical for biodiversity, fish populations, and climate resilience.

Basking shark eDNA found in wind farms in the North Sea

We are excited to have been contributing to an important project with our data. Recently, the article “Elasmobranchs in offshore wind farms” was published as part of the ElasmoPower project. This study by Annemiek Hermans from Wageningen University & Research uses eDNA technology to investigate the presence of sharks and rays in the North Sea.

Successful completion of the monitoring of nature-inclusive water replenishment holes

Dive mission at Offshore Test Site reveals: underwater structures can boost biodiversity

Artificial structures off the coast of Scheveningen can contribute to an increase in biodiversity. This was confirmed by a recent dive mission at the Offshore Test Site where The Rich North Sea rents a plot, located 12 kilometers off the coast of Scheveningen. In 2021, four underwater structures were installed here at a depth of 20 meters to monitor the development of species richness around them.

Dive into Nature Enhancement: The Rich North Sea Toolbox is Here!

It's finally here! We're excited to announce the launch of the Rich North Sea Toolbox, your knowledge hub for underwater nature enhancement. The Toolbox is designed to inspire, educate, and empower individuals and organizations to make a profound positive impact on marine ecosystems, starting with the North Sea. Over the past few months, we've added new content and sections on monitoring, species, and nature enhancement methods. Whether you're a marine biologist, project manager, environmental advocate, or you're curious about nature inclusive design, the Toolbox will spark your curiosity and expand your knowledge. We hope that one day, using the Toolbox isn't just a best practice, but the only way of doing business in the offshore sector.