For several years now Flemish scientists have been working on a project aimed at discovering whether reefs that get a helping hand from humankind can help to protect our coastline. Years of work resulted in the creation of a new mussel reef off the Flemish coast. Scientists say the reef is showing its worth. In the event of heavy storms the reef ensures sand stays in place and in this way the coast is better protected against flooding.
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Breakthrough in coast defence: Flemish scientists trial mussel reefs
Colin Clapson
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The new mussel reef has been constructed two kilometres off the Flemish seaside resort of De Panne (West Flanders). During storms sand is swept from our beaches, but that is not the entire story. The churning of the waters also means that sand under the sea close to the coastline is often swept deeper into the sea exposing our coast to the danger of flooding.
Scientists constructed the new mussel reef by employing ropes that are biodegradable. The ropes attracted mussels that started to grow there. These mussels were then left to their own devices and not harvested for human consumption. The weight of the mussels meant that they eventually dropped to the seafloor of their own accord.
Alexia Semeraro is a marine researcher at ILVO, the Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Research: “Once the mussels reach the sea-bed they can start to reorganise themselves to form a reef. Jointly they also attach themselves to the seabed. Conditions in the North Sea are not easy. Large quantities of mussels are needed to ensure success”.
The scientists’ efforts resulted in a new mussel reef covering over 200 square metres. The experiment is a clear success. The mussels help to strengthen the seabed and protect the coastal environment.
Tomas Sterckx is the co-ordinator of the Coastbusters Project: “If we can stabilise the seabed by helping to construct reefs, then we are helping nature to prevent coastal erosion. This also has an impact higher up the beach. All the way up to the sand dunes the beach is strengthened”.
The conventional method of reinforcing beaches, by bringing in fresh sand, needs to be repeated after every heavy storm. In contrast reefs offer an important advantage says Tomas: “Reefs can repair themselves. As soon as the reef is resilient and sufficiently robust it can repair itself after storm damage. The reefs contribute towards the ecosystem and biodiversity.
Scientists not only carried out tests using mussels. Various types of plants and even worms have been trialled, but the tests showed that mussel reefs provided the best result.
“Mussels are a pioneering species. They attach to any type of structure that presents itself in the sea. Mussels are the first species that will take up residence.
Mussel reefs can be constructed across the globe and no further protracted development is needed. Tomas Sterckx: “We can do it straight away as long as we comply with existing regulations”.
