Lauwersoog to get largest artificial reef on the Dutch coastal sea wall

In autumn 2025, Waterschap Noorderzijlvest and Rijkswaterstaat will therefore expand the reef by installing 290 new sections of reef and 132 tidal pools.

This will give the reef a definitive place at the foot of the Lauwersmeer dyke, making it the longest artificial reef on a Dutch coastal sea wall. The preparations are currently in full swing and are clearly visible on the quayside at Lauwersoog.

Research confirms ecological value of reefs

Between 2021 and 2024, we investigated how artificial structures could make a contribution to the restoration of the natural transition, while also reinforcing the dyke.

Lies van Nieuwerburgh, ecologist at Rijkswaterstaat: 'Clearly, the artificial reefs and pools are successful from an ecological perspective, as they form a new habitat for species.  They provide hiding, resting and spawning places for fish and other organisms.'

'Oysters, mussels, anemones, hydrozoa and seaweed attach themselves to the structures. This boosts biodiversity and creates a more robust food web and ecosystem, so the reefs make a valuable addition to the underwater nature.'

Room for nature in the Wadden Sea

The process of building the dykes made the natural transition between the mud flats and land largely disappear. This has had consequences for the water quality and biodiversity of the Wadden Sea.

Silvia Mosterd, environmental manager at Waterschap Noordzijlvest: 'What we actually do is improve Wadden Sea nature in the margin where the dyke meets the sea. It's good that we can boost life at the foot of the dyke like this.'

'Apart from the reefs, this autumn we will also be rounding off the creation of a tidal zone in the Marnewaard and expanding the salt marshes by the dyke. We always try to combine dyke reinforcement with the greatest possible ecological benefit.'

Partnership and future

Van Hall Larenstein and the University of Groningen investigated the ecological development of the reefs. The results of this research were used to design a longer reef that stretches along the new Lauwersmeer dyke, in which nature and security go hand in hand.

The project forms part of the Lauwersmeer Dyke Reinforcement project and was sponsored by The Programmatic Approach to Great Waters (Dutch acronym PAGW) and the Waddenfonds. The reefs and pools are made by ReefSystems, Econcrete and Moreef. The Waddenkwartier consortium, made up of contractors GMB and Heijmans, is responsible for construction of the reefs and tidal pools.

Further information on the artificial reef

You can find more information at The Programmatic Approach to Great Waters.