The installation of hard substrates with oyster spat is a new and innovative method for oyster restoration. Oyster larvae attach themselves to hard substrates, such…
RESO
The RESO project showcases the first remote setting project of the European flat oyster in The Netherlands. Together with eight partners, from the private sector to academia, we successfully demonstrated the remote setting method to produce spat-on-rock. This state-of-the art project positions the RESO consortium as a frontrunner in the field of oyster reef restoration, and may be a game changer for future biodiversity action.
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Partners:
Port of Rotterdam, TenneT, ARK Rewilding, WUR, Stichting Zeeschelp, WMR, Waardenburg Ecology, The Rich North Sea
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Location:
Port of Rotterdam
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Execution:
January 2025
The RESO project started in January 2025, and continues until the end of 2027. In the project we design and realize mobile remote setting basins in shipping containers. In these basins, the oyster larvae will settle on the rocks (after which they are called ‘spat’) and will be fed until strong enough to be outplaced at a restoration location. Various installation methods to deploy the spat on rock are tested. In September 2025, we installed spat on rock in the Port of Rotterdam, and in 2026 we will install another batch at a cable crossing in the North Sea. Monitoring continues until 2027, and will indicate the effectivity of the developed method.
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Questions about this project? Contact Nienke!
Nienke Oostenbrink
Pilot Lead & Business Developer