BmB: Building with Ecosystem Engineers

BmB - Bouwen met Biobouwers (Building with Ecosystem Engineers) aims to develop a method to restore oyster and mussel beds with biodegradable structures with 3D-printing techniques.

The restoration of mussel and oyster reefs is urgent, but currently there are no scalable methods available. In our project, we aim to develop a method that is successful and ready for large scale application. We use an ‘ecology meets engineering’ approach to create new and out-of-the box designs based on traits of natural mussel and oyster beds, which will be 3D-printed with an industrial printer with biological degradable materials. Our designs will be tested in the Dutch Wadden Sea.

A collaborative effort

Mussel and oyster reefs are degrading and have been lost at large spatial scales worldwide. However, there are no methods available to restore such systems at relevant scales. The project's results are valuable for nature management organizations and governments, as they are often tasked with restoring nature. Therefore, we work together with various organizations, like nature organizations, consultancies, technical companies and governmental bodies. This gives them opportunities to apply their extensive knowledge for our research, and when successful they have a tool they can leverage to restore mussel and oyster beds.

The project is funded by the Waddenfonds and Rijkswaterstaat, and runs from 2022 to 2026.