Underwater laboratory

This underwater laboratory is used to study how to enhance biodiversity on subtidal, hard substrates, like dikes and other man-made structures like pillars or offshore wind farms. The facility is unique in bringing the hard to reach subtidal environment to the easily accessible tidal area of the Eastern Scheldt at the very doorstep of NIOZ at Yerseke, Zeeland. It is a collaboration between Rijkswaterstaat, Hogeschool Zeeland and NIOZ.

Research topics 

Tidal currents; waves; species performance; community structure; hydrodynamic forces; sediment transport; pore-water fluxes; biophysical interactions; erosion.

References 

In preparation

Running period

2019-undetermined

Equipment/facilities

12 concrete underwater basins (7.5 x 3.3 x 1.5 m.) with underwater gardens provide stable conditions for monitoring at low tide.

Data management

This facility adheres to NIOZ’s data policy: https://www.nioz.nl/en/research/dataportal/data-policy(externe link) 

Available datasets

In preparation

Condition for access

Researchers interested in using the underwater laboratory can contact Tjeerd Bouma by email to discuss options for access.