Marine nature and biodiversity

Marine nature and biodiversity

Wageningen Marine Research studies marine nature and biodiversity across the globe, from the Arctic regions to the tropics. We gather essential data and build expertise on habitats and species through image monitoring, DNA, telemetry and benthic sampling. These insights and scenario models support our partners in making governance and conservation decisions for the future.

What we can do for you

We help you find answers

Wageningen Marine Research is leading in research in marine nature and biodiversity. We have extensive scientific expertise and data on the development and deterioration of marine species, such as corals, mussel beds, fish, marine mammals and seabirds.

Our researchers take part in expeditions to locations such as the Caribean, Spitsbergen, the Antarctic and Indonesia every year, to study species and habitats, and how they are affected by human activities. We also work on frequent monitoring of the Dutch nature in the North Sea, Wadden Sea and in the Dutch Caribean commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.

Unfortunately, global biodiversity is still in rapid decline. In our work, we try to capture this decline in numbers and images in order to contribute to conservation.
Oscar Bos, marine ecologist

Moreover, we collaborate with the government and our partners to identify new opportunities for nature, such as the nature-inclusive design of offshore wind farms or restoration of flat oyster reefs in the North Sea.