Netherlands Institute for Sea Research

The Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) participated as a named implementing partner in the Ecoscour initiative at the Borssele Offshore Wind Farm (Site V). The pilot evaluated eco-friendly scour protection approaches around offshore wind turbine foundations, with an explicit aim to enhance benthic habitats and support the development of European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) reef features alongside erosion protection. Within the collaboration, NIOZ contributed scientific capability relevant to understanding seabed ecology and the response of marine communities to the introduction of hard substrates and structured elements within an offshore wind farm setting. The programme assessed how different scour protection materials and configurations influenced settlement, survival, and biodiversity outcomes, supported by offshore monitoring activities and laboratory-based analysis of collected samples. The work was positioned as applied research aligned with the broader North Sea opportunity created by offshore wind farm exclusion zones, where reduced seabed disturbance can facilitate restoration measures if suitable substrates and deployment methods are demonstrated at operational sites. Monitoring at Borssele V was described as multi-year and knowledge-generating, with results disseminated through scientific papers and ongoing project updates. NIOZ’s participation helped ensure that ecological outcomes were assessed rigorously and translated into insights that can inform future nature-inclusive design implementation in offshore wind projects.