Marine nature and biodiversity for resilient ecosystems
Life in seas, coastal areas and fresh water systems is under pressure worldwide. Recovering and protecting this biodiversity is crucial. WUR collects data for government agencies, EU institutions and NGOs, among others, based on monitoring, computer modelling and recovery research. Doing so enables us to offer our partners knowledge and expertise for optimal marine management.
Climate change, pollution, fishing pressure and use of space are affecting marine ecosystems and putting species at risk. At the same time, we are increasingly realising that robust systems rich in biodiversity are indispensable for food security, coastal defences and climate adaptation. WUR supports nature policy, recovery measures and spatial development with ecological knowledge, integrated models and technological innovation.
We combine fieldwork with techniques such as eDNA, acoustics, telemetry and AI. Using these techniques, we track species, map living environments and analyse trends in behaviour, distribution, food webs and disturbance. We examine the impact of microplastics, nutrient loads, chemicals such as PFAS and the cumulative effects of human activities.
In the Dutch Caribbean, we contribute to coral recovery, fish stock management and invasive species management. In the Arctic, we study ice-dependent species and climate impact. In the Wadden Sea, we monitor marine mammals, benthic animals and migratory birds. Policy makers used our knowledge in the creation of Natura 2000, WFD, MSFD and the North Sea Agreement, for example. In this way, we are working on ensuring a resilient sea.
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Besides monitoring and analysis, we develop recovery strategies, assessment tools and indicator sets for policy monitoring and decision-making. Examples include the CHARM model for chemical risk assessment, biodiversity indicators and open data platforms, such as the Freshwater Fish Portal. We develop tools and guidelines for nature-inclusive development, and combine ecological and social insights in co-creation with all stakeholders.
As an independent TO2 institute, we cooperate with government agencies, EU institutions, ICES, OSPAR, NGOs and other knowledge partners. We support policy transitions, guide societal dialogues and contribute to international objectives for nature restoration and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.
Discover our expertises
Expertises
Offshore wind farms
WUR studies the impact of offshore wind farms and develops knowledge for a North Sea in which the combination of energy and food supply from the sea is optimally in balance with nature. We provide government and industry with scientifically-based advice to contribute to a healthy and future-proof North Sea.
Salt marshes
Salt marshes form the transition from sea to land. They not only provide valuable coastal defences, they are also important nature reserves. We study how these dynamic ecosystems evolve, how they contribute to biodiversity and security, and how their recovery can be supported.
Sand mining and sand replenishment
After water, sand is the world's most widely used natural resource. WUR studies sand mining and sand replenishment: depositing sand along coasts and beaches. We make our knowledge available to dredgers, the fishing industry, nature organisations and government agencies and public bodies to optimally combine coastal safety with fishery and nature in the North Sea.
Rays and sharks in the North Sea
Rays and sharks play an important role in the food chain of the North Sea. Many species are vulnerable due to overfishing and slow reproduction. WUR studies their distribution, ecological role and population development. Knowledge about migration, and spawning and rearing areas helps protect these species, enabling their recovery.
Marine and coastal pollution
Pollution is a growing threat to marine ecosystems. WUR studies the distribution and effects of plastics, micropollutants and PFAS in marine and coastal areas. With that knowledge, we help create an understanding of how pollution evolves and its impact on ecosystems and the food chain.
Coral at risk
Coral reefs in the Caribbean Netherlands are under severe pressure from climate change, pollution and human activity, such as overfishing. WUR studies how these changes affect coral health and develops knowledge that policy makers can use to promote the recovery and protection of these fragile ecosystems.
Marine mammals
Marine mammals such as porpoises, seals and whales are important for marine ecosystems. They are top predators, reflect how healthy the ecosystem is and are often under pressure from human activities. For decades, WUR has been conducting independent research on these species and advises on their protection and sustainable management.
Sea birds
Sea birds like the Sandwich tern, common guillemot or razorbill are indispensable for healthy marine ecosystems. They reflect the state of the environment and respond sensitively to human activities. WUR has been studying sea birds in the North Sea, Wadden Sea, the Caribbean and the Arctic Circle for decades. We advise on their protection.
Grevelingenmeer
Grevelingenmeer is the largest saltwater lake in western Europe. Besides being a nature reserve, it is also a recreational and fishing area which has been cut off from the sea since its closure by the Delta Works. WUR studies the ecology and water quality of this unique area and advises on sustainable use and management.
Ecology of freshwater fish
WUR studies freshwater fish in Dutch lakes, rivers and coastal areas. Our research mainly focuses on migration, populations and sustainable management.
Maritime services
From shipping and pollution to offshore gas platforms and wind farms, all maritime activity affects the water environment. WUR studies the effects of human activities on the marine ecosystem. We provide knowledge and data for the maritime sector to contribute to safe and ecologically responsible use of the sea and coast.
North Sea in transition
The North Sea is changing fast. It is one of the busiest seas in the world with fishery, shipping and energy generation, while also being an important nature reserve. WUR studies how energy and food production remain in balance with nature in this unique ecosystem.
Eels
The European eel is critically endangered. Together with fishermen and water managers, among others, WUR studies ecology, breeding and health using innovative research methods. Our advice is applied in national and international management plans.
Offshore wind farms
WUR studies the impact of offshore wind farms and develops knowledge for a North Sea in which the combination of energy and food supply from the sea is optimally in balance with nature. We provide government and industry with scientifically-based advice to contribute to a healthy and future-proof North Sea.
Salt marshes
Salt marshes form the transition from sea to land. They not only provide valuable coastal defences, they are also important nature reserves. We study how these dynamic ecosystems evolve, how they contribute to biodiversity and security, and how their recovery can be supported.
Sand mining and sand replenishment
After water, sand is the world's most widely used natural resource. WUR studies sand mining and sand replenishment: depositing sand along coasts and beaches. We make our knowledge available to dredgers, the fishing industry, nature organisations and government agencies and public bodies to optimally combine coastal safety with fishery and nature in the North Sea.
Rays and sharks in the North Sea
Rays and sharks play an important role in the food chain of the North Sea. Many species are vulnerable due to overfishing and slow reproduction. WUR studies their distribution, ecological role and population development. Knowledge about migration, and spawning and rearing areas helps protect these species, enabling their recovery.
Marine and coastal pollution
Pollution is a growing threat to marine ecosystems. WUR studies the distribution and effects of plastics, micropollutants and PFAS in marine and coastal areas. With that knowledge, we help create an understanding of how pollution evolves and its impact on ecosystems and the food chain.
Coral at risk
Coral reefs in the Caribbean Netherlands are under severe pressure from climate change, pollution and human activity, such as overfishing. WUR studies how these changes affect coral health and develops knowledge that policy makers can use to promote the recovery and protection of these fragile ecosystems.
Marine mammals
Marine mammals such as porpoises, seals and whales are important for marine ecosystems. They are top predators, reflect how healthy the ecosystem is and are often under pressure from human activities. For decades, WUR has been conducting independent research on these species and advises on their protection and sustainable management.
Sea birds
Sea birds like the Sandwich tern, common guillemot or razorbill are indispensable for healthy marine ecosystems. They reflect the state of the environment and respond sensitively to human activities. WUR has been studying sea birds in the North Sea, Wadden Sea, the Caribbean and the Arctic Circle for decades. We advise on their protection.
Grevelingenmeer
Grevelingenmeer is the largest saltwater lake in western Europe. Besides being a nature reserve, it is also a recreational and fishing area which has been cut off from the sea since its closure by the Delta Works. WUR studies the ecology and water quality of this unique area and advises on sustainable use and management.
Ecology of freshwater fish
WUR studies freshwater fish in Dutch lakes, rivers and coastal areas. Our research mainly focuses on migration, populations and sustainable management.
Maritime services
From shipping and pollution to offshore gas platforms and wind farms, all maritime activity affects the water environment. WUR studies the effects of human activities on the marine ecosystem. We provide knowledge and data for the maritime sector to contribute to safe and ecologically responsible use of the sea and coast.
North Sea in transition
The North Sea is changing fast. It is one of the busiest seas in the world with fishery, shipping and energy generation, while also being an important nature reserve. WUR studies how energy and food production remain in balance with nature in this unique ecosystem.
Eels
The European eel is critically endangered. Together with fishermen and water managers, among others, WUR studies ecology, breeding and health using innovative research methods. Our advice is applied in national and international management plans.
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Why partner with WUR
We offer:
- Impactful science & technological leadership
- Integrated & strategic advice
- Multidisciplinary & transdisciplinary research
- Unique data & strong networks
- Leading research in marine biodiversity and nature restoration
Contact us
Are you involved in nature conservation, policy, research or monitoring of marine biodiversity? Contact our expert for collaboration, advice or more information.
dr. OG (Oscar) Bos
Researcher Marine Ecology
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