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. Coral frame #1 - January 2026

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).

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

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.