We can’t restore nature in the North Sea alone. That’s why we’re bringing scientists, the government, innovative startups, and the offshore industry together to collaborate under shared goals. We’re finding real solutions that will contribute to a healthy underwater ecosystem. Through hands-on projects and cutting-edge monitoring, we’re discovering what helps underwater life return.
Wind farms provide an ideal environment to actively strengthen marine ecosystems. Since trawling is prohibited within Dutch wind farms, this in turn creates a protected area where marine life can flourish. Their hard structures, like turbine foundations and rock armoring, provide attachment points for species that struggle on sandy seabeds. These structures also provide shelter for fish and crustaceans. Much like shipwrecks, wind farms can become thriving underwater habitats.
The North Sea was once filled with thriving oyster reefs, creating hard surfaces, filtering water, and supporting marine life in the sandy seabed. These reefs were a vital part of the ecosystem, but native flat oysters have nearly disappeared and can’t recover on their own. To bring them back, we install reef structures and introduce mature oysters. As they reproduce, their larvae settle and slowly rebuild the reef.
Our project sites serve as testing grounds for underwater nature enhancement, helping us develop a blueprint that could be used in all offshore wind farms. With many large wind farms planned in the North Sea and beyond, it’s vital they support marine life instead of harming it. The Rich North Sea is proving that nature restoration can be a standard part of offshore wind development.
The construction phase of offshore wind farms can disrupt marine life, especially due to underwater noise from pile driving, which can disturb or harm marine mammals and fish. To reduce this impact, strict noise limits are in place, and techniques like soft-start pile driving, bubble curtains, and specialized hammers help keep noise levels within safe limits. Innovation in low-noise construction remains crucial.
While our focus is on enhancing marine ecosystems, we also prioritize mitigating the negative impact of offshore wind. By continuously improving construction methods, we can ensure that wind farms contribute to a healthier North Sea without unnecessary harm to its inhabitants.
