In April 2025, the first Naiad Foundation (before: Victrix Foundation) coral spiders were installed. When using the spider technique, individual metal structures are welded together by local villagers. Once the spider is created, a coat of cement paint is applied. This prevents the leaching of iron into the ecosystem and acts as an attractive base of attachment for the coral. On the upward-facing part of the spider, an engraved name tag made from bamboo is placed. After that, it’s time to go into the ocean, for the first time at least. The spiders are left in the ocean for 4 - 6 weeks to become coated in coralline algae. Once the spiders are coated in algae, mixed reef planting techniques are carried out. The reef is carefully combed to find naturally broken, yet still living coral fragments from a variety of coral genera. These fragments are then attached to the spiders using zip ties. As the zip ties become overgrown, excess material is carefully removed to avoid harming wildlife. We attach 16 coral fragments to one coral spider and each spider occupies 0,35 square meters of seafloor. Through the customization of a spider with a name tag, the spider technique allows for transparent monitoring of the coral growth and reef health. This tailored approach ensures transparent and effortless reporting on the progress of restoration efforts.

Before 1850, European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) reefs were a dominant structural and ecological feature of the North Sea. Due to human impact and the spread of a persistent oyster parasite, these reefs have now nearly disappeared. Yet oyster reefs remain vital ecosystems. Often referred to as "ecosystem engineers", they provide habitats that support a wide array of marine life. The government, industry and science join forces to tackle the challenges of restoring oyster reefs, a complex operation that requires both innovation and interdisciplinary expertise. The logistical complexity, coupled with the sensitivity of oysters to disturbance—during seeding of hard reef substrates with oyster larvae, as well as their subsequent transport and installation at sea— requires in-depth knowledge across multiple fields of expertise. The BELREEFS project, commissioned by the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment as part of the action T4.8 of the LIFE Belgium for Biodiversity programme (101069526), exemplifies this collaborative spirit. It brings together Jan De Nul Group, the Institute of Natural Sciences, Shells & Valves, and Mantis Consulting, with guidance from the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA) and additional support from Go Ocean. BELREEFS consists of three phases: identifying suitable sites in existing gravel beds for kick-starting new oyster reefs, deploying substrates seeded with oyster larvae, and guiding the development of self-sustaining reefs that attract and support other marine species—thereby enhancing biodiversity. These reefs provide essential shelter, feeding and breeding grounds for a wide variety of marine flora and fauna. To maximize reef survival and reproduction, BELREEFS identified locations with the most suitable seabed and environmental conditions, as well as natural protection from damage. Detailed seabed mapping, led by the Institute of Natural Sciences, informed decisions regarding the reef deployment location. Furthermore, the project builds on key innovations—such as developing reef installation methods and refining ‘remote setting’ techniques, whereby oyster larvae produced elsewhere settle on reef substrates in laboratory conditions before being deployed at sea. Once deployed, the new oyster reefs will be closely monitored for several years to assess their development and ecological impact. "The European flat oyster has always been an important core species in our North Sea, but it has today nearly disappeared. The active restoration of these oyster populations is therefore a priority for us. The fact that we can collaborate on this scale with scientists and industry is truly unique". - FPS Public Health, Marine Environment Department Timing: Summer 2025 - 1st installation of oyster reef substrates Summer 2026 - 2nd installation of oyster reef substrates (including the first 1082 Go Ocean oyster batches). Summer 2027 - 3rd installation of oyster reef substrates (only Go Ocean oysters, with 1836 batches as the goal).

Seagrasses are the only flowering plants that can live underwater. Just like plants on the land, they have leaves, stems, roots, and photosynthetic activity. The plants’ long but strong leaves form dense meadows under the sea. Loch Craignish in Scotland has 10 small seagrass meadows and there are 80 hectares of mud where we think seagrass can be restored. With this seagrass meadow restoration project, in cooperation with Seawilding, we are trying to rebuild damaged seagrass meadows and expand the meadows already existing. This is vital, because just like the coral reefs and rainforests of the tropics, these underwater gardens are full of life, hosting many animals of different shapes, colors, and sizes. By trying multiple methodologies of planting, we are trying to figure out which method is most efficient and successful. These methods include direct seed injection, seed scattering, sod transplants, hessian bags, and rhizome planting. Read more about our progress in the news updates below!

(coming soon)

(coming soon)

Seagrasses are the only flowering plants that can live underwater. Just like plants on the land, they have leaves, stems, roots, and photosynthetic activity. The plants’ long but strong leaves form dense meadows under the sea. Loch Craignish in Scotland has 10 small seagrass meadows and there are 80 hectares of mud where we think seagrass can be restored. With this seagrass meadow restoration project, in cooperation with Seawilding, we are trying to rebuild damaged seagrass meadows and expand the meadows already existing. This is vital, because just like the coral reefs and rainforests of the tropics, these underwater gardens are full of life, hosting many animals of different shapes, colors, and sizes. By trying multiple methodologies of planting, we are trying to figure out which method is most efficient and successful. These methods include direct seed injection, seed scattering, sod transplants, hessian bags, and rhizome planting. Read more about our progress in the news updates below!

(coming soon)

With the help of 47 incredible volunteers from the UK, Europe, and beyond, our local team in Scotland transplanted 20,000 shoots over a five-week sprint this spring, potentially creating 2,600 m² of new seagrass meadow. That’s a 300% increase from last year’s efforts. They're growing, literally and figuratively. In 2024, we often planted bundles of 10 shoots at 2 bundles per square metre. This year, we switched it up: 1 bundle per square metre, and half of those only had 5 shoots. If this lower-density method works, it could quadruple our restoration capacity. We also kicked things off six weeks ahead of schedule this year, planting 2,000 shoots in late March. We’re testing if we can extend the planting season to gain more flexibility and free up time for oyster restoration later in the summer. Until now, all transplanting has happened next to existing seagrass meadows. But this year, we went bold: we planted in two areas where eDNA analysis suggested seagrass used to grow: - A site in Loch Craignish capped with land-quarried sand (see more on Van Oord below) - A completely new site in Loch Beag, just next door

Since the Great White Shark population in South Africa is at potential risk of extinction with numbers believed to be around 300-500, our White Shark research focuses primarily on monitoring the numbers of these apex predators in our waters, with the aim of obtaining another population estimate within the next two to three years. We are using dorsal fin identification to identify and closely monitor the different individuals we are observing each day, and building a comprehensive database of fins photographed. With other shark species also threatened or vulnerable due to over-exploitation, we are also conducting studies to learn about these species in particular the endemic shark species we have in South Africa (puffadder shyshark, dark shyshark, leopard catshark, brown shyshark, and pyjama catshark). We currently know little about these species; hence the aims of our research are to obtain baseline data on sharks in our area, including their diversity, abundance, movement patterns, habitat use and growth rates. Secondly, in the long-term we will be assessing the health of their populations and determining whether local fishermen play a role in shark population decline. Daily activities include cage-diving trips, shark tagging trips (from our research boat and from the shoreline), snorkelling for sharks in the kelp forests, beach clean ups, equipment maintenance, video analysis, data entry and dorsal fin ID analysis.

Mangroves are an important piece of the ecosystem that offers much more than we can imagine. From being a great habitat for wildlife species, being great protection for coasts, and bringing an economical added value to the local population, it also is one of the greatest sources of carbon sequestration. The total area of mangrove forest in Madagascar covers about 20% of African mangroves and 2% of the world's mangroves. However, the mangrove forests of Bombetoka Bay suffered a 34% loss between 1990 and 2000 (Report on the state of mangroves in Madagascar - WWF Madagascar) and this loss represents a significant threat to biological biodiversity and the living conditions of local communities. Today, the mangrove can no longer play its economic and social role, which justifies the search for initiatives and alternatives for the revitalization of this natural ecosystem. This revitalization should respond to the concern for the preservation and ecological balance of this environment that is so vital for the local populations. The project, in cooperation with the social enterprise Bôndy, consists of planting mangroves in the Bombetoka Bay located in the North-West of Madagascar, more specifically in the municipality of Boanamary (Maromiandra village) and Amparimahitsy (Belobaka village). The overall objective is to restore degraded lands and promote better management of the mangrove ecosystem to improve the living conditions of the local communities. Moreover, the mangroves provide spawning grounds for shrimps, crabs, and fish and 45% of the seafood sold in Majunga (a city of 240,000 inhabitants in the region) comes from the local commune. Our goal is therefore to boost the economy of the community. Over the entire area, this project can restore 400ha of degraded land by planting 2.4 million mangroves, and we aim to sequester more than 1.5 million tCO2 over the life of the project.

On this 0.58-hectare site, in the Bombetoka Bay located in the North-West of Madagascar, more specifically in the village of Amparimahitsy (Belobaka municipality, Boeny), we're planting new mangrove trees to restore the mangrove forest. In October 2025, 2288 mangrove trees of one species were planted here: Ceriops tagal. The overall objective is to restore degraded lands and promote better management of the mangrove ecosystem to improve the living conditions of the local communities. Moreover, the mangroves provide spawning grounds for shrimps, crabs, and fish, which helps to boost the economy of the community.

On this site, in the Bombetoka Bay located in the North-West of Madagascar, more specifically in the village of Nosy Kabija (Belobaka municipality), we're planting new mangrove trees to restore the mangrove forest. In March 2026, 300 mangrove trees of the Rhizophora mucronata species were planted here. The overall objective is to restore degraded lands and promote better management of the mangrove ecosystem to improve the living conditions of the local communities. Moreover, the mangroves provide spawning grounds for shrimps, crabs, and fish, which helps to boost the economy of the community.

On this site (0.3 ha), in the Bombetoka Bay located in the North-West of Madagascar, more specifically in the village of Nosy Kabija (Belobaka municipality, Boeny), we're planting new mangrove trees to restore the mangrove forest. In December 2025, 1956 mangrove trees of two species were planted here: Ceriops tagal and Rhizophora mucronata. The overall objective is to restore degraded lands and promote better management of the mangrove ecosystem to improve the living conditions of the local communities. Moreover, the mangroves provide spawning grounds for shrimps, crabs, and fish, which helps to boost the economy of the community.

On this site, in the Bombetoka Bay located in the North-West of Madagascar, more specifically in the village of Nosy Kabija (Belobaka municipality), we're planting new mangrove trees to restore the mangrove forest. In April 2026, 510 mangrove trees of the Ceriops tagal species were planted here. The overall objective is to restore degraded lands and promote better management of the mangrove ecosystem to improve the living conditions of the local communities. Moreover, the mangroves provide spawning grounds for shrimps, crabs, and fish, which helps to boost the economy of the community.

The biodiversity in the North Sea is under threat due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Intensive fishing practices have depleted fish stocks and damaged the seabed. Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities has led to water quality degradation. Additionally, infrastructure projects disrupt marine habitats, further impacting marine life. The benefits of offshore wind farms: Offshore wind farms offer an ideal environment for oyster reef restoration due to their hard substrates and relatively undisturbed seabeds. These conditions facilitate the establishment and expansion of oyster reefs, contributing to the recovery of European flat oysters in the North Sea. Typically isolated from natural oyster reefs, offshore wind farms require the introduction of oyster larvae to initiate reef development. This intervention not only helps in reef creation but also enhances the connectivity between hard substrate areas, promoting wider ecosystem restoration. The project: The project utilizes innovative DOS technology, deploying structures embedded with living European flat oysters at a depth of 30 meters. This pilot project, scheduled for placement in October 2024, will be conducted at two specific locations within the Borssele wind farms 1&2. The DOS are tetrapod structures housing 13 or 14 living European flat oysters each, sourced from Ireland. These oysters undergo treatment, quarantine, and are securely attached to the structures. During optimal conditions, the DOS are manually deployed, landing on the erosion protection zones of the wind turbine bases. The oyster larvae are then expected to disperse and attach to the surrounding hard surfaces, fostering natural reef growth. The project’s success will be assessed through meticulous monitoring: • Y0: Technical aspects of the deployment will be observed. • Y1: The survival rate and distribution of the native oysters will be evaluated. • Y4 and Y8: Further assessments will determine the development and spread of the oyster reef. Why European flat oysters? Once covering approximately 20% of the Dutch North Sea’s seabed, European flat oysters (Ostrea edu- lis) have significantly declined due to overfishing and diseases such as Bonamia ostreae. Recognized for their vital role in marine ecosystems, oyster reefs improve water quality through filtration and support biodiversity by providing habitat, food, and shelter for various marine species. Restoring these oysters is crucial for ecological balance and biodiversity enhancement in the North Sea.