Posters

Abstract

In the field of habitat restoration, protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the functioning of reef systems, integrating contractor perspectives is essential for upscaling and enhancing project efficiency and success. By incorporating contractors' insights and experience, resources and reef structure designs can be optimized, time reduced, and equipment costs minimized. This is particularly effective when project locations and scopes align with contractors' vessel and resource capabilities. Practical examples demonstrate the integration of ecological benefits with marine infrastructure and coastal protection projects.  In collaboration with other parties, Contractor Boskalis has been involved in innovative methods for flat oyster restoration, coral transplanting, seagrass restoration, and developing artificial reefs integrated into breakwaters and groynes. Lessons learned from various projects focus on the integration of restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and marine infrastructure. They give vital insight on the need to turn theoretical concepts and small-scale pilots into actionable projects by bridging scientific research and practical application.  Contractors are involved in deploying hard substrate, which is often required for initial settlement of species. If well aligned, substrate installation can be combined with settling times of target species. Additionally, incorporating diverse structures into conventional rock works, i.e. scour or cable protection and groynes, creates habitat complexity that can be beneficial for biodiversity due to the holes, crevices and sheltered areas for marine species.  Early collaboration with scientists, developers, innovators, policy makers and contractors can result into the integration of innovative solutions for habitat restoration in ongoing projects. Scientists provide critical knowledge to identify effective restoration techniques, while contractors bring practical experience and equipment necessary for implementation, installation and upscaling. A collaborative approach ensures effective and efficient restoration efforts, leading to better environmental outcomes and optimized project execution. Involving a contractor from an early stage in restoration projects offers a promising pathway to sustainable, successful and large-scale outcomes.