National Centre for Marine Restoration
Project description
The project will establish a national center for marine nature restoration to promote a knowledge-based implementation of marine nature restoration.
There is an increasing focus on restoring lost marine nature. Most initiatives take place with some involvement of researchers or consultants, but data and knowledge about which interventions are effective in which environments, threshold values, expected time horizons etc. are spread. There is thus a lack of a comprehensive knowledge of marine nature restoration, which is necessary to be able to provide advice to municipalities, local enthusiasts and the state.
The center will fill a knowledge gap in relation to collecting and validating the effects of marine nature restoration, which will be valuable as interest in the area grows.
"Since we established the centre, we have seen an increased interest in the sea" - Torben Bramming Jørgensen
Hypoxia, fewer fish, ecosystems under pressure and declining biodiversity. Unfortunately, bad news about the marine environment in Denmark is not new.
This is the focal point for the Centre for Marine Restoration, established by VELUX FOUNDATION and the Danish Ministry of the Environment. Through knowledge gathering and mapping, the centre aims to help improve the decision making with regards to the ecological condition of Danish coastal and marine areas.
Focus on the ocean
Fortunately, the ocean has received increased focus in recent years. In addition to political attention from several sides, ‘The Peoples Ocean Event’ has been held, and the media have contributed to focusing on the issues in the Danish coastal and marine environment. There is therefore a strong, broad focus on restoring lost marine habitats.
However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge across the area, which can provide the basis for advice and practical solutions for the government, municipalities, local associations and local advocates across Denmark.
The centre is a joint initiative with the participation of several universities to ensure scientific and practical guidance of the highest standard. It aims to contribute to the national planning of marine restoration and solutions that promote nature, which help to improve the condition of the fjords and oceans by collecting data and validating their effects.
Boulder reefs, eelgrass and mussel beds
The centre develops scientific best practices for marine nature restoration which can be used in practical restoration projects. One example is an IT tool that shows optimal locations for marine nature
restoration. Restoration guidelines have also been developed with regards to boulder reefs, eelgrass and mussel banks.
The centre contributes with knowledge to improve the condition of the fjords and oceans and promote a healthy marine environment that can withstand climate change.
