Most people don't know that the North Sea once had vast stretches of oyster reefs. They disappeared over the last century due to human pressures. What used to filter water, shelter fish, and buffer the coast is now, in most places, just sand.
Here's why that matters more than it sounds: oysters are ecosystem engineers. Restoring a reef doesn't just bring back oysters, but also the foundation hundreds of other species depend on. Richer biodiversity, cleaner water, more resilient coastlines, healthier fisheries — all from one species doing its job again.
BELREEFS is rebuilding it, oyster by oyster since 2025. And because our Go Ocean pioneers - you - stepped in, the 2026 installation is 2.5x bigger than initially planned! The installation was completed at the end of May, and we're now ready to share some imagery. Enjoy the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x8YeFlQfl8
The numbers:
That's not all... a third installation is scheduled for 2027, but it only happens if pioneers keep saying yes!