This video shows how the experimental reefs are lifted out of the water, one year after installation.

Lauwersmeerdijk, Holland

In 2021, Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, Rijkswaterstaat, and the Waddenfonds launched an ambitious pilot project along the Lauwersmeerdijk to explore new ways of strengthening the Wadden Sea ecosystem. The initiative focused on experimenting with artificial reefs to create sheltered habitats for marine life, with the goal of boosting biodiversity in this unique UNESCO World Heritage area.

A series of artificial reef structures has been placed along the Lauwersmeerdijk to find out if and how these structures function as habitats for marine life and what species of are attracted. Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen led the research, closely monitoring the reefs and studying how they influenced biodiversity over time. Their work provided valuable insights into how man-made structures can support natural processes in coastal ecosystems.

After several years of intensive monitoring and research, the results look very promsing. The artificial reefs have proven to be highly effective at attracting marine life and supporting the growth of diverse species!

Installation of pilot

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The artificial reef structures were carefully installed along the Lauwersmeerdijk in 2021. Designed to withstand the dynamic conditions of the Wadden Sea, they were strategically positioned to create sheltered areas where marine life can settle and thrive. This marked the start of an innovative experiment, combining engineering and ecology to explore new ways of restoring and strengthening this unique natural environment. Over the following years, the reefs were monitored to find out what effect they would have on the ecosystem.

Monitoring of pilot

After the installation of the artificial reefs along the Lauwersmeerdijk, a comprehensive monitoring program was launched to study their impact on the Wadden Sea ecosystem. Researchers from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen led this effort, regularly visiting the site to collect data on water conditions, species diversity, and ecological interactions.

The monitoring focused on understanding how quickly marine life would colonize the reefs, which species would be attracted, and how these new habitats would develop over time. This involved underwater surveys, sampling of shellfish and algae, and tracking fish and bird activity around the structures.

Over several years, this detailed research provided valuable insights into how man-made structures can successfully integrate with natural processes. The results show that the reefs are thriving ecosystems, supporting a rich variety of marine plants and animals and contributing to the resilience and biodiversity of the Wadden Sea.

Scaling up project & impact

With the pilot project showing promising results, the focus now shifts to scaling up these solutions to strengthen the Wadden Sea ecosystem on a broader level. The artificial reefs along the Lauwersmeerdijk have proven that carefully designed structures can significantly boost biodiversity while supporting the resilience of coastal environments.

A key innovation in this project lies in how the reefs and Tidal Pools are produced. Their baseplates are made from recycled concrete sourced from the Urban Mine, a circular approach that reuses materials from old infrastructure and construction projects. This method reduces CO₂ emissions by 67% compared to traditional Portland cement, making the project not only beneficial for marine life but also a step forward in climate-conscious engineering.

As the project expands, these sustainable design principles will guide future reef installations. By applying the knowledge gained during the pilot, a network of habitats can be created across the Wadden Sea, supporting marine life, mitigating the effects of climate change, and balancing nature conservation with human activities such as shipping and coastal protection.

This approach shows how innovation, ecology, and circular economy can come together to restore and protect one of the world’s most valuable natural areas.