BOOSTING STONY REEFS IN BORKUM STONES

Abstract

This report evaluates the potential for enhancing nature inclusivity within the GEMS project, in alignment with ONE-Dyas’ commitment to positive regional impact. The focus is on developing nature-inclusive designs for scour protection around the platform, drawing inspiration from the habitat commonly present in Borkum Stones. The proposed designs aim to replicate the natural stony reef formations and enhance connectivity with surrounding hard substrates to support habitat development, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Extensive surveys over the past five years by various organizations, including GEOxyz and MarineSpace commissioned by ONE-Dyas, have mapped the Borkum Stones area in detail. This region, with its rich history of rocky reefs and oyster beds, once supported rich marine habitats that have since diminished due to anthropogenic impacts. The historical records of these reefs underscore the ecological importance of reinvesting in similar habitats, as restoring these features could help reestablish critical marine ecosystems and support a diverse array of marine life. The presence of significant hard substrates, such as large boulders and biogenic reefs formed by the sand mason worm Lanice conchilega, further highlights the area's potential for ecological restoration. The proposed designs seek to enhance connectivity between the scour protection and adjacent boulder clusters, addressing potential ecological impacts and future decommissioning effects. The integration of the proposed nature inclusive designs could facilitate hard substrate expansion and enhance local connectivity. This potentially benefits reef-typical species, supporting higher richness, diversity and abundance. By focusing on the expansion and connectivity, the design also considers future decommissioning, aiming to maintain habitat integrity after the completion of the production phase. The report suggests using 2”-8” granite rocks for their efficiency and suitability in establishing rocky reef communities. The design proposals include improvement of the scour protection around the legs of the platform and two possible trajectories toward nearby boulder clusters. By enlarging the local rock dump and creating a transition zone, leading to higher habitat complexity and diversity, the area will attract a higher variety of species. The trajectories toward boulder clusters will further enlarge hard substrate surface and enhance connectivity between different hard substrate areas. However, successful implementation requires addressing several uncertainties: confirmation of rock dumping methods, optimal rock coverage balancing efficiency with habitat development, and the need for further investigation into potential ecological impacts in the trajectories towards boulder clusters. Additionally, the current data gaps regarding the presence of smaller cobbles, gravel beds, and Lanice conchilega fields highlight the need for further surveys and analysis. In conclusion, while the nature-inclusive designs present significant potential for ecological enhancement within the GEMS project, further research and monitoring are necessary to refine the implementation strategies and ensure alignment with the Borkum Stones habitat.