Oesterherstel Voordelta (BO-43-221-002, BO-43-116.01-002, BO-43-021.02-025)

Flat oyster beds occurred in about 20% of the Dutch North Sea area. Almost a century ago, the reef forming species disappeared. However, in 2015 divers of Bureau Waardenburg rediscovered them in a field survey of Kamermans et al. (2015). In the Voordelta, at the North Sea side of the Brouwersdam, a reef was discovered of flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) combined with other shellfish. Since then, research is carried out on restoration of the flat oyster ((Sas et al., 2016, 2018, 2019; Didderen et al., 2019; van der Have 2019, Witbaard et al., 2020). The OSPAR agreement notes flat oysters as a threatened species and habitat (OSPAR Commission 2008). In addition, the Netherlands has included, under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive D6T5, the environmental goal: the return and restoration of biogene reefs, including falt oyster beds (Min. IenW en Min. LNV 2018).