In the harbor of Amsterdam we have installed floating artificial reefs and vegetative islands. A little safe haven where vegetation can flourish, birds can rest and where fish and shellfish can thrive.
About this project
The manucipality of Amsterdam was expending the harbor and wanted to improve biodiversity. With no land to spare, an area was found for floating islands as biodiveristy hotspots. Hakkers BV created metal floatlands to hold our BESE-elements.
Results achieved
- Floating green
- Increase of fish and mussels
- Increase of (nesting) birds
Project partners
Artificial reefs for fish and mussels
BESE-elements were stacked up to make blocks of 80 cm high. These blocks were deployed in metal floaters; floatlands. The BESE-elements create an artificial reef with a lot of shelter for juvenile fish and hardsubstrate for mussels and sponges.
Floating green
On to of the artificial reefs riverbank vegetation was planted. This was done by pre grow riverbank vegetation in the BESE-elements. After two years of growing in a nursery, these BESE-elements were placed on top of the BESE-elements that function as an artificial reef. To create green floating island in a stoney harbor.
Ideal islands for birds
Birds quickly started to use the islands to rest and even build nests upon them. After the vegetation came up sterns started to use the breeding ground to raise their chicks.
Results
- 61m2 of floating islands
- Riverbank ecosystem in a stoney harbor
- Biodiversity increase above and below water
- Resting place for birds
- Water quality increase