Nature-based solutions
Ewout Knoester
To counterbalance detrimental effects of anthropogenic influences on coral reefs, efforts are taken to provide nature-based solutions. Restoration efforts can take the form of rearing coral fragments in nurseries or placing artificial structures to promote benthic and pelagic biodiversity. Another aspect of habitat restoration is the genetic health and resilience of transplanted coral fragments. Marine Animal Ecology works in Kenya, the Dutch Caribbean and the North Sea on various restoration projects.
Projects
Oscar Bos
The North Sea lost over 25,000km2 (20% of the sea floor) in oyster-dominated reefs due to overharvesting and recurrent bottom disturbance by trawling. Realization of reef restoration, however, is hampered by knowledge gaps on how to restore reefs offshore. The scientific research in this project aims to develop novel techniques that overcome bottlenecks restricting reef restoration at open sea.
Thomas Kodger
SeaCrete is a combination of a coacervate adhesive that binds together oyster cultch, coral rubble or any other desired material. It is a paste-like material that can be molded into different shapes for specific applications, and upon submersion in sea water because a solid, elastic material that lasts for months, to potentially years on the sea floor. In addition to oyster recovery, Seacrete is also being explored as a substrate for coral outplanting, sea grass relocation, and urchin restoration.
Research themes
Biodiversity
We perform fundamental research to answer questions such as how biodiversity is generated and maintained and what the underlying processes are.
Climate change
Marine Animal Ecology aims to increase climate resilience of reefs through understanding how organisms respond to change and how we can best protect them.
Local stressors
Marine Animal Ecology studies the effect of stressors on marine life through various experiments.
Nature-based solutions
Marine Animal Ecology works in Kenya, the Dutch Caribbean and the North Sea on various restoration projects.
Marine Animal Ecology
The Marine Animal Ecology group, led by Tinka Murk, studies how marine animals adapt in response to a changing environment.