To counter the rapid degradation of coastlines and protect Natura 2000 habitats, the Romanian Government launched a coastal protection project to strengthen the…
Seagrass restoration
Van Oord Ocean Health implements a range of restoration techniques: seed-based restoration, seedling and shoot planting, sod-based restoration, and passive recovery solutions. We aim to bring back vital habitats that have been degraded by coastal development, pollution, boat anchoring and climate change. We collaborate with governments and coastal developers to restore seagrass meadows through proven, science‑based restoration techniques.
Request info
Contact
Want to know more about Seagrass restoration?
Seed-based restoration is ideal for mass flowering species (Zostera spp.) with nearby meadows with high natural seed productivity. We collect and process seeds from donor meadows, integrate seed delivery into sediment nourishment projects or combination with sand-capping, and sow via Dispenser Injection seeding.
Seedling and shoot planting is used for areas requiring targeted recovery. We deploy manually planted seedlings or shoots (e.g., anchored to nails), rhizome fragments to stimulate bed expansion, sand-capping (site optimization) combined with rhizome planting.
Sod-based restoration is used for instant habitat structure and rapid stabilization. We engage in manual sod harvesting and planting, and large-scale mechanical sod transplantation.
Passive recovery solutions are applied to create favourable site conditions. We design site-conditioning measures that enable natural recolonization without active planting. For example, stabilizing fluid muds by sand-capping or creating sheltered zones by optimizing breakwater designs.
