partner
Established in 2017, ReefSystems provides innovative solutions to stimulate biodiversity under and above the ocean.
By developing lightweight artificial reefs, this Dutch start-up promotes marine life population growth and ecosystem restoration. Wageningen University & Research is continuously monitoring the effects of the artificial reefs on the local ecosystem in Haringvliet and IJmuiden in The Netherlands and Shimoni in Kenya. With different techniques they have shown a huge increase of biomass and species on and around the reefs.
Each reef unit can be modified to create complex structures and different microhabitats. Local species of crabs, lobsters, octopus and various fish can find shelter within the reefs in different life cycle stages. The outside surface has a rough texture, which functions as a hard substrate and is ideal for mussels, oysters, and corals to grown on, covering the complete surface of the reefs and stimulating a healthy ecosystem. By working together with local communities, ReefSystems creates employment opportunities within reef restoration.
