Governments around the world have ambitious plans to grow the green energy capacity, both to fight climate change and increase the energy independence. In this decade, the global installed offshore wind capacity is expected to increase by a factor of seven. But this expansion needs to be done in a way that supports and enhances biodiversity in the delicate ocean environments. Together with Orsted in this partnership, we believe this is possible.

Our partnership starts with a joint project in Denmark in collaboration with DTU Aqua, to find methods for restoring flat oyster and horse mussel populations. These two species were once abundant in the North Sea. They’re considered ‘ecosystem builders’ because of their ability to form biogenic reefs (reefs made up of living creatures, not just rock). These reefs provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for other species, and surfaces for algae and soft corals to grow on. They also filter many litres of water every day, improving water quality and clarity. Today, both species’ populations are significantly diminished in this area, due to decades of physical disturbance from human activities. The OSPAR Commission categorises horse mussel reefs as a red-listed ‘threatened habitat’ and European flat oysters as a ‘threatened species’ in the Greater North Sea region. The project aims to establish methods and protocols for developing and producing the two species, and for establishing flat oyster and horse mussel reefs in the wild. Furthermore, the partners aim to establish one or more viable biogenic reefs in the Danish North Sea or Kattegat, bringing immediate local benefits. At the end of the project, we’ll share the methods and results publicly.