The Lauwersmeerdijk Reef

The Lauwersmeerdijk reef project is a flagship example of how marine construction can be reimagined as a driver of ecological uplift. Launched in 2021 in collaboration with Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, Rijkswaterstaat, and the Waddenfonds, and implemented by the Waddenkwartier consortium (GMB & Heijmans), the pilot sought to test whether artificial reef modules could foster new habitats and boost biodiversity in the delicate Wadden Sea ecosystem.  

From the outset, scientists from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen led ecological monitoring to observe species colonization, habitat formation, and ecosystem interactions. Over several years, the reefs demonstrated a strong biological performance, attracting shellfish, algae, fish, and a diverse suite of marine life.  

Encouraged by these results, the project has expanded in 2025, installing 100 MOSES reef plates, each containing 56 MOSES blocks, amounting to 5,600 in total. These modular units build on the original pilot’s design philosophy, combining engineered infrastructure with ecological ambition. 

2021-ongoing

Project dates

Lauwersmeerdijk, the Netherlands

Location

ReefSystems, Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, Rijkswaterstaat, the Waddenfonds, University of Groningen, Van Hall Larenstein

Project lead and partners

Mussels, oysters, fish, crustaceans, algae

Target species

  • Stand-alone structures

Reefs full of life

image of an eel in the moses artificial reef

Lauwersmeerdijk artificial reefs

Watch this video to explore the rich life on the Lauwersmeerdijk reef, one year after installation.

Construction of biggest artificial reef in the Netherlands

photo of the finished set-up of the artificial reef

MOSES reefs expansion 2025

Due to promising results in the pilot project, the Lauwersmeerdijk reef project has expanded. Watch this video to learn more!

Partners

Products used on this project

MOSES (Modular Sealife System)

ReefSystems

MOSES is a modular artificial reef technology to enhance marine biodiversity and ecological performance in coastal and offshore environments. The system consists of interlocking concrete units, known as MOSES blocks, mounted on reef plates that can be adapted to different seabed conditions and project goals. Each block is designed for ecological functionality, with varied textures, cavities, and surface roughness that stimulate the settlement of oysters, mussels, seaweeds, and other marine organisms.

Stand-alone structures
Visit website

Let's talk

Would you like to get involved in nature enhancement or do you want to connect with our ecologists? Send us an e-mail.

toolbox@derijkenoordzee.nl