Source: UNITED
Introduction
This muti-use, located in the Belgian Part of the North Sea (BPNS), more specifically in the Belwind Offshore Wind Farm, was developed within the framework of the UNITED project and aimed to evaluate Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs) as a suitable location for restoring native flat oyster reefs in combination with culturing European flat oysters and seaweed for human consumption. The secondary objective was to compare the growth of sugar kelp cultivated offshore and nearshore.
Once plentiful in Belgium, the flat oyster once formed extensive reefs that nurtured diverse marine life. However, overfishing and disease in the 19th century have brought it to the brink of extinction. Traditional aquaculture in its former habitats is no longer viable. Nevertheless, the UNITED project has introduced a pioneering pilot program aimed at revitalizing oyster reefs and advancing aquaculture practices in innovative ways.
Yet, numerous hurdles emerged, including the remote coastal location, which complicated the setup, functioning, and upkeep of the aquaculture pilot, along with technical constraints imposed by the specific growth needs of the flat oyster. The UNITED team provided expertise and technical assistance to test cultivation protocols at the operational offshore site.
The project team remains committed to ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing to further enhance multi-use practices in offshore environments. They look forward to continuing their efforts in alignment with European Commission initiatives, fostering innovation and sustainability in marine resource management.
Stakeholder consultation was indeed a crucial aspect of the project. The team engaged with various stakeholders to ensure their perspectives were considered and incorporated into the endeavors. Our engagement with the broader public was informal yet impactful. During onshore sampling activities, passersby often inquired about our work, allowing to explain the purpose of the project and its potential benefits. Events such as "Oostende voor anker," attended by thousands, provided with a platform to share the pilot results and objectives. The team found that the concept of oyster reef restoration resonated strongly with the public, as it symbolized a positive step towards nature conservation and biodiversity enhancement. Additionally, there was notable anticipation for the prospect of enjoying locally cultivated Belgian oysters.
Moreover, the project organized a stakeholder workshop specifically tailored to the Belgian context, which brought together a diverse range of participants including fishermen, government representatives, members of the public, tourism stakeholders, scientists, and industry experts. This intimate gathering facilitated open dialogue, allowing us to address questions, gather valuable insights, and incorporate feedback into the project's development. The workshop, held at De Cierk in Oostende, Belgium, provided a conducive environment for meaningful exchanges and collaboration.
Furthermore, technical stakeholders through our partners were consulted, leveraging their expertise to inform decisions regarding materials, installation methods, and monitoring protocols. Their input was instrumental in optimizing the approach and ensuring the success of the project’s initiatives. The engagement with stakeholders not only enriched the project but also paved the way for future endeavors. Building on the lessons learned and insights gained, the team have integrated stakeholder feedback into the design and implementation of the follow-up project, "ULTFARMS.". The team recognize that the success and relevance of the projects hinge on the active involvement and support of stakeholders, and remain committed to continued collaboration and dialogue as we strive to achieve our shared goals.
The pilot project benefited from the progressive approach outlined in the new Belgian Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), which promotes the integration of diverse activities within offshore wind farms (OWFs), including extractive aquaculture, passive fisheries, and other renewable energy ventures. This strategic shift reflects the government's steadfast commitment to prioritizing oyster restoration efforts, a central focus within the updated MSP.
The prohibition of bottom fishing in offshore wind farms in Belgium constituted an enabling condition for the development of oyster reefs which wouldn’t be damaged. UGent, taking the lead in establishing aquaculture operations within the offshore wind farm (OWF), secured approval from the wind farm concession holder by meeting three key requirements: conducting a thorough risk analysis, submitting a detailed project method statement, and acquiring additional insurance to address third-party liability concerns. It's important to acknowledge the valuable assistance and collaboration from all project partners in this endeavor.
However, the permitting process raises questions about the coordination and oversight of activities within the OWF, particularly regarding the management of permits in a multi-use context. With discrepancies arising from the attribution of single-use permits for various projects, each with differing terms and expiration dates, there's uncertainty surrounding the seamless transition between activities, especially when one permit expires while another continues. Clarifying and streamlining the permitting process is essential to ensure effective management and sustainable development within the OWF.
Lessons learnt
- Moving offshore requires adaptation of existing cultivation and restoration techniques for seaweed and flat oyster systems, and entails biotechnical, legal, safety, and administrative hurdles to be overcome.
- Offshore oyster restoration efforts yielded encouraging outcomes, demonstrating successful design and material applications that facilitated flat oyster settlement and reef formation, contributing to biodiversity enhancement.
- Successful seaweed growth and harvest were achieved both nearshore and offshore, highlighting the adaptability of cultivation methods and the potential for sustainable marine resource utilization in diverse environments.
Relevant links
For more information visit the UNITED Project – Pilot site page
View the UNITED Belgium pilot flyer
View the Belgium pilot Business brief
Contacts
Prof. Annelies Declercq – Associate Professor at the Lab of Aquaculture and Artemia Reference Center, Ghent University, Belgium