Seagrasses and seaweeds are an important link in the marine ecosystem. They have various functions such as providing food and shelter, as well as spawning opportunities for all kinds of animal species. They also serve as nurseries for fish and smaller organisms.

Seagrass and seaweed habitats are under pressure. Human actions, changing environmental conditions and climate changes leads to the deterioration of such environments. We conduct various studies that contribute to knowledge about the distribution and protection of these ecosystems. We are also actively working on restoration projects both in the Netherlands and abroad, for example to expand the areas of seagrass.

A large part of our projects consist of surveys of seaweed and seagrasses in the Dutch Delta and the Wadden Sea. For example, we monitor the development of various types of seaweed in the Veerse Meer, with extra attention to the non-native Japanese wireweed. We are also involved in research in the port of Rotterdam, where we map the species diversity of seaweeds on natural and artificial surfaces.
Because seaweeds are an important part of the food web, monitoring and advising on large-scale cultivation initiatives is also part of our expertise.