Category: MUMM

On February 19, 2026, Sylvain Gozingan brilliantly defended his doctoral thesis entitled “Developing a multi-scale modelling framework for coastal hydrodynamics and larval connectivity in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa.” His work demonstrates that connectivity between the ocean and the Nokoué lagoon in Benin is primarily controlled by well-defined hydrodynamic mechanisms, playing a crucial role in the transport and entry of shrimp larvae into the lagoon—a key finding for the sustainable management of fisheries resources in Benin.

Sylvain Gozingan of the University of Abomey-Calavi in ​​Benin publicly defended his doctoral thesis in physical oceanography and numerical modeling, entitled: “Developing a multi-scale modelling framework for coastal hydrodynamics and larval connectivity in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa”. Following the defense, which took place on February 19, 2026, at the Institute of Natural Sciences, in the presence of all members of the jury, Sylvain was awarded the highest distinction for his doctoral thesis.

Research towards sustainable management

Sylvain Gozingan explains: “The research carried out as part of my doctoral thesis focuses on the development and application of coupled three-dimensional models, combining hydrodynamics and particle tracking, to study marine circulation and larval connectivity in the Gulf of Guinea, with a particular focus on the Nokoué ocean-channel-lagoon system in Benin. This has made it possible to identify the hydrodynamic mechanisms controlling connectivity between the ocean and the Nokoué lagoon for commercially important shrimp larvae.”

First, the results show that the entry of larvae into the lagoon is not random but depends on well-defined physical conditions. It is mainly favoured by specific tidal conditions, the existence of tidal windows and hydrodynamic windows of opportunity, with a particularly favourable period during the dry season (January-June).

Secondly, the study demonstrates that larval transport can be largely explained by passive drift mechanisms. This transport is dominated by the combined action of tidal currents, residual circulation, and wind-induced currents, without the need to invoke complex active larval behaviour at the scale studied.

Finally, the analysis of particle trajectories reveals that the larvae that actually reach the lagoon come mainly from the shallow coastal zone, in particular from regions where the depth is less than or equal to 15 m.

“Overall, these results strengthen the understanding of connectivity in the Nokoué ocean-lagoon system and provide valuable scientific information for predicting larval dispersal, a crucial element for the sustainable management of fisheries resources,” concludes Sylvain.

The results of the thesis were presented to local communities during a feedback workshops organized in Benin in 2024.

Interdisciplinary collaboration with Belgian and Beninese support

Sylvain already held a master’s degree in physical oceanography and applications, obtained in 2018 from the University of Abomey-Calavi. His thesis focused on applying an automatic algorithm for identifying and tracking vortices to a series of numerical potential vorticity fields, considered as a dynamic Lagrangian tracer. Since then, he has developed a passion for studying particles in marine ecosystems, using data analysis and numerical modeling.

Since February 2020, Sylvain has collaborated with the Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) and the ECOMOD team at the Institute of Natural Sciences. This collaboration took place within the framework of the Shrimp-I project (Application of the COHERENS model to improve shrimp stock management in Benin) and the Shrimp-II project (Application of the COHERENS model to the life cycle analysis of shrimp and oysters to better manage their stocks in Beninese waters). These projects were funded by the Directorate General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD) under the CEBioS programme (Capacities for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development).

On 11-12 February 2026, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) hosted the first thematic workshop of the European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF) programme for 2026 at its premises in Lisbon. Belgium took part with representatives from DG Shipping (Stefanie Monsaert), agency for Maritime and Coastal services (Yves Maekelberg), the Coast Guard (Eefje Deweer) and the Scientific Service ‘Management Unit of the Mathematical Model of the North Sea’ of the Institute of Natural Sciences (Kobe Scheldeman).

Multifunctional and Complementary Surveillance

Modern and effective coast guard surveillance requires a multifunctional approach in which various assets — such as satellites, drones (both underwater and aerial), aircraft, vessels and ground systems — are deployed in a complementary manner. No single tool is sufficient on its own to address today’s complex maritime challenges.

Through cooperation between agencies and Member States, and by combining technologies, a robust, real-time maritime situational picture can be achieved. This enables the efficient coordination of safety, environmental protection, fisheries control and law enforcement tasks.

Geopolitical Developments and Operational Impact

Participants reflected on the rapidly evolving geopolitical context and its implications for daily maritime operations. A notable trend is the recent increase in falsely flagged vessels and the activities of the so-called shadow fleet: older, poorly maintained ships whose flag authenticity and insurance documentation are difficult to verify, posing an increased risk of incidents.

By pooling expertise, sharing operational information among Member States, and enriching it with additional data sources, steps are being taken to better identify and monitor these vessels. Many of them never enter ports and continue operating at sea through ship-to-ship transfers, with all associated risks. While the principle of freedom of navigation remains fundamental, it also complicates enforcement efforts.

EU Agencies Strengthen Their Support

EMSA provided an update on its services, with particular attention to the further development of its Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capacity. These systems can operate at depths of up to 3,000 metres and are deployed for investigations and operations such as mapping cables, anchors and wrecks. Belgium has already made use of these services over the past two years.

The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) presented a timeline for new regulations and technological tools, including hydrophones (to detect illegal fishing through sound monitoring), DNA kits (for fish species identification), satellite imagery, Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM), drones (UAVs) and artificial intelligence. Although these technologies were not originally developed specifically for fisheries control, the necessary adaptations are now being implemented to optimise their use in this field.

Frontex outlined the possibilities of deploying its aircraft for various coast guard functions. These aircraft provide maritime situational awareness, can zoom in on suspicious vessels and transmit imagery to onshore operation centres in near real time. In the event of incidents, flight plans can be rapidly adjusted.

The Need for a New Belgian Coast Guard Aircraft

The findings of the workshop highlight a clear reality: maritime surveillance is becoming more technologically complex, geopolitically sensitive and operationally demanding. In this context, air capability is not a luxury but an essential component of the integrated European surveillance system in which EMSA and Frontex operate.

After more than 30 years of successful aerial surveillance, it must be acknowledged that the Belgian coast guard aircraft is an ageing platform that will turn 50 this year. While the aircraft has long been a reliable asset in environmental protection, safety and maritime law enforcement, it is no longer sufficient to carry out the increasingly delicate and technologically intensive operations expected from a coastal state today.

The rise of shadow fleets, GPS spoofing, complex energy transport operations and stricter European obligations require modern sensors, real-time data processing and interoperability with European partners. Replacing the current aircraft is therefore essential to guarantee the continuity of these missions.

Without a new coast guard aircraft, Belgium risks no longer having an adequate aerial surveillance platform at its disposal. This would seriously undermine our ability to meet national and international obligations in the fields of environmental protection, crisis response, safety and security in the North Sea.

Within the Coast Guard, under the coordination of Defence and the Institute of Natural Sciences, intensive work is therefore underway with all relevant partners to prepare and implement the replacement of the aircraft, ensuring that Belgium will continue to possess a modern, high-performance and interoperable aerial surveillance capability in the future.

We are pleased to announce a one-day symposium on Thursday, 19 March at the Grand Auditorium of the Institute of Natural Sciences, celebrating 25 years of in-house scientific diving.

Over the past quarter century, our scientific diving team has supported and advanced marine and environmental research in remarkable ways. This symposium will showcase the breadth and impact of that work.

The programme will include:

• An opening introduction
• Eight scientific presentations highlighting key research achievements
• A dedicated session on the training programme we organise for the Belgian occupational scientific diving sector
• Presentations on the Belgian and international professional frameworks supporting scientific diving
• An inspiring example of citizen science diving and collaborative initiatives

The impact of this work is reflected in:

• ~10 completed PhDs (with 2 ongoing)
• 36 A1 peer-reviewed publications
• Numerous technical and policy-supporting reports
• More than 800 scientific diving missions, good for more than 4500 man dives

All participants will receive a printed book of abstracts on 19 March 2026.

Register by 10 March to secure your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoLj6Dlohw8nyZZ3xu1vVLQaSRu37xESXuHKMRR9doZPeeWA/viewform

We look forward to welcoming colleagues, partners, and collaborators to celebrate 25 years of scientific diving and to discuss the future of this unique research field.

Coördination: Alain Norro, MARECO – Marine Ecology and Management, Institute of Natural Sciences

From the end of May to October 2025, the Belgian and French Coast Guards cooperated in a Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO) in the southern North Sea. The MMO is a large-scale maritime operation coordinated by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), with the support of the EU, organized in support of European Member States.

In the MMO 2025 operation, various Belgian (Flemish and federal) and French Coast Guard authorities joined forces, performing various missions for the purpose of maritime safety, pollution control, environmental protection, fishery control, or border control.

A video about the successful MMO 2025 is now available :

As Belgian Coast Guard partner, the Scientific Service ‘Management Unit of the Mathematical Model of the North Sea (MUMM)’ of the Institute of Natural Sciences took part in the operation. This involved close cooperation with various partners, with the Belgian Navy, the Directorate-General Shipping, the Directorate-General Environment, the Flemish Maritime and Coastal Services, the French authorities and EMSA being of particular interest.

Given the many challenges facing the Coast Guard in the southern North Sea, and the importance of sub-regional cooperation in this regard, preparations are currently underway for a new and even more comprehensive MMO in 2026. Further communication on the MMO 2026 will follow later this year.

From 9 to 13 February, Marie-Lucie Susini (FPS Mobility and Transport, Head Of Delegation), Diederik Wéreau (FPS Mobility and Transport) and Jean-Baptiste Merveille (Institute of Natural Sciences) represented Belgium at the 13th meeting of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR13) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, United Kingdom.

Belgium actively contributed to discussions on atmospheric emissions from ships, with a particular focus on nitrogen oxides (NOx). Our delegation supported the development of effective international regulations in this area and engaged in technical debates to ensure that future standards deliver real and measurable emission reductions.

A key strength of the Belgian contribution is evidence-based monitoring: since 2020, Belgium has been monitoring NOx emissions from ships at sea with the coast guard aircraft, providing valuable insights to inform international policy development.

The PPR13 session laid a constructive foundation for further work, marking the beginning of a multi-year process that will continue for at least two more years.

In parallel, the Belgian study on black carbon emissions was referenced several times during discussions on reducing the impact of black carbon in the Arctic, highlighting the relevance of our research at the global level.

Belgium remains fully engaged throughout the discussions, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, science-based policy, and international knowledge sharing.

Researchers from the Institute of Natural Sciences confirm the survival and growth of juvenile European flat oysters introduced in July 2025 as part of the BELREEFS project. The follow up is possible through a smart monitoring programme that allows for rigorous, long-term mapping of reef development. The results of the first monitoring campaign evidence a promising start for Belgium’s offshore restoration of European flat oyster reefs.

In July 2025, more than 200,000 juvenile European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) were installed on the seabed of the Belgian part of the North Sea, approximately 30 km off the coast at a depth of 30 m. The oysters were seeded onto biodegradable clay bricks, making so-called “spat-on-substrate”, which were then installed at a carefully selected location with natural hard substrate (gravel) within the Natura 2000 area ‘Vlaamse Banken’. European flat oysters are so-called ecosystem engineers: they form reefs that create habitat for countless other species, and as filter feeders they help to keep the water clear. However, due to overfishing and habitat destruction, this important native species almost completely disappeared from our country.

The extensive deployment was part of BELREEFS, the first offshore pilot project which focuses on restoring European flat oyster reefs in Belgian marine waters. The BELREEFS project, commissioned by the Belgian Federal Government (Department for the Marine Environment of the Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment), brings together expertise from Jan De Nul Group, the Institute of Natural Sciences (Marine Ecology and Management team – MARECO), Shells & Valves and Mantis Consulting. The techniques tested in the project will inform future large-scale restoration efforts, contributing to Belgium’s broader vision for meeting nature restoration targets, particularly within protected Natura 2000 areas.

Smart monitoring

The BELREEFS monitoring team of the Institute of Natural Sciences has developed a thorough plan to monitor the reef development, closely following key metrics developed by the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA), while adapting protocols to the challenging offshore conditions of the North Sea. This approach will enable BELREEFS to generate data that are comparable across European restoration initiatives. Several of these metrics require retrieving spat-on-substrate for analysis, necessitating a tailored monitoring approach.

To ensure effective data collection, custom-built monitoring cages were designed by Jan De Nul to enable long-term monitoring in a reliable and standardised  manner. Each cage contains a selection of clay bricks, seeded and un-seeded, with wide spaces to allow exposure to the surrounding environment. The cages can be routinely deployed and retrieved either through the integration of an acoustic release mechanism, provided through the activities of the Institute of Natural Sciences within the European Marine Biological Resource Centre Belgium (EMBRC Belgium), or by scientific diving.

First results

With the help of the crew of the STREAM, the first monitoring cage was successfully brought up to the surface in September 2025 using the acoustic release system. On site, the researchers measured oyster survival, growth, density and successfully inspected for new oyster spat settlement. Biodiversity assessments included the identification of sessile and mobile fauna on the substrate, with several smaller and challenging specimens collected for lab identification.

All samples have now been processed. While oyster survival and growth were confirmed, observations also revealed the occurrence of active ecological interactions on the reef substrate. Signs of competition for space and presence of potential predators were noted, and these dynamics will be further investigated during the follow up monitoring phases in the coming years.

“The first monitoring yielded some promising results. We are looking forward to the results of the coming years and hope that the small oysters will grow into a self-sustaining reef, right at the spot where large oyster reefs existed more than a century ago. The fact that we also found colonization by wild oyster spat makes us even more enthusiastic. This is a highly encouraging sign for future restoration efforts.” – Thomas Kerkhove – MARECO, Institute of Natural Sciences

The BELREEFS monitoring programme will continue over the coming years with the retrieval of two more monitoring cages. These long-term observations will provide additional insights into reef development, ecological interactions and overall restoration success in the dynamic offshore conditions. Such information will be crucial for upcoming large-scale restoration plans in the Belgian part of the North Sea, and will further contribute to the shared knowledge gathered over the last decades on flat oyster restoration across Europe.

 

 

BELREEFS is a collaboration between Jan De Nul, the Institute of Natural Sciences, Shells & Valves, and Mantis Consulting. It is being carried out on behalf of the Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment as part of action T4.8 of the LIFE B4B project (101069526).

The oysters were cultivated in collaboration with the Dutch Stichting Zeeschelp and Oyster Heaven (Mother Reef). For all our projects, we collaborate with international experts from the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA) and follow their guidelines. This allows us to utilize the best available knowledge, advanced technologies, and leading experience.

Black carbon emissions from ships in the southern North Sea were surveyed using the sniffer sensor of the Belgian coastguard aircraft. The preliminary results show that these emissions are higher than previously assumed and provide scientific support for the development of international regulations and sustainable maritime policy.

Since 2015, the Belgian coastguard aircraft has been equipped with a sniffer sensor that can measure the concentration of pollutants in emissions from ships at sea. Initially, the system was integrated into the aircraft to monitor and analyse sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions, but over the years it has been expanded to include the ability to detect other pollutants. Since 2020, nitrogen oxides (NOx) have also been measured, and in 2021, black carbon also became part of the air monitoring mission.

In June 2025, the aerial surveillance team published a scientific article in Atmosphere describing black carbon emissions from maritime traffic in the southern North Sea and the English Channel based on 886 measurements taken between 2021 and 2024. This is the first scientific study of this scale to compile and analyse actual measurements of black carbon from ships. The measurements were taken in the maritime areas of Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom.

What is “black carbon”?

Black carbon is a category of carbon-containing fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres (1 micrometre or 1 µm is equal to one thousandth of a millimetre). It mainly comes from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as fossil fuels (like diesel and coal) but also biomass (wood) and biofuels.

As a fine particle, black carbon has an impact on the health of the population exposed to it. Although the exact climate impact of black carbon remains a subject of debate and it is not classified as a greenhouse gas, it is clear that it contributes significantly to climate change. This is partly due to its ability to absorb solar radiation when it settles on polar ice, making it darker.

Interpretation of the results

The long-term research led to a number of conclusions that will be refined in the future with additional data. The main conclusion is that air measurements of black carbon emissions from ships at sea are feasible and that the accompanying observation protocol provides valuable information about the actual extent of these emissions. Until now, such information has been derived from measurements taken under controlled and simulated conditions rather than at sea under real conditions.

The data also suggest that black carbon emissions from ships may have been underestimated. It also appears that ECA-compliant fuels (low-sulphur fuels permitted in the “emission control area” to which the North Sea belongs) contribute to a significant reduction in black carbon emissions. In addition, it also appears that engine load is a determining factor for black carbon emissions.

Science in the service of enhanced sustainability

Black carbon emissions from shipping are not yet regulated, although discussions have been ongoing since 2011 to find the best ways to limit these emissions and their impact. These discussions are taking place within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for establishing international rules relating to the safety and security of maritime transport, but also in relation to the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.

As a basis for such discussions, the IMO naturally needs robust scientific data, and this is where the new Belgian insights can play a valuable role. Belgium, represented in the IMO by the Directorate-General for Shipping (Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport), brought the research conducted by the Institute for Natural sciences to the attention of the international maritime community here on 21 November 2025. In this way, Belgium aims to raise awareness of the issue of black carbon and provide concrete elements to support the development of effective regulations on black carbon emissions from shipping.

On 26 November 2025, Belgium was also elected as a member of the IMO Council in London, thanks to the ongoing efforts of DG Shipping. The election, formalisation and presentation of Belgian scientific insights to the IMO demonstrate the importance our country attaches to international scientific and political cooperation and its strong support for the transition to a sustainable and less polluting shipping sector.

The coastguard aircraft is owned by the Institute for Natural sciences and is piloted by Defence pilots. The scientific service Management Unit of the Mathematical Model of the North Sea (MUMM) of the Institute of Natural Sciences is responsible for implementing the national programme for aerial surveillance of the North Sea and provides the scientific operators of the aircraft.

Researchers and nature enthusiasts can now listen to nearly two million Belgian bat recordings through the Digital Animal Sound Archive. The platform provides central access to this extensive sound material, supports scientific research, and encourages its use in environmental impact analyses and policy development.

Like many other animal species (including whales, insects, birds, etc.), bats produce sound, partly to locate prey or for orientation. These are high-frequency ultrasonic sounds that are often inaudible or difficult for humans to hear, but can be recorded. Such recordings have great potential for research into the distribution and behaviour of various species, and for assessing the impact of human activities. This applies both on land and at sea, as bats are also observed in the marine environment.

Until now, the available Belgian bat sound files were stored only in the difficult-to-access archives of individuals or organizations. There, they ran the risk of disappearing in the short term, for example, because they were deleted after analysis. The Digital Animal Sound Archive (DASA) now brings the recordings together in a single, standardized, secure, and searchable system.

Also thanks to and for citizen scientists

DASA is more than a passive audio archive of professional scientists. After creating an account, anyone interested, both professionals and volunteers, can download and listen to audio recordings. Furthermore, every member can upload recordings to DASA. This allows citizen scientists to preserve their own recordings for the future, thereby expanding the collection and increasing its potential for scientific and policy-supporting applications. To date, 24% of observations have been collected by citizen scientists, a share that will undoubtedly increase in the future.

Furthermore, anyone can contribute to assigning recordings to one or more suspected species, or assign an alternative species option to an existing identification. Identifying which species a recording refers to is not always easy in the case of bats and requires extensive knowledge of the subject. Therefore, bat specialists are specifically engaged to validate observations, meaning they are assigned to the correct species with a high degree of certainty.

A wealth of information

“DASA currently bundles nearly two million bat detections by professional and citizen scientists. It’s a unique database that future-proofs the application of observations and sound recordings for Belgian nature research,” says project coordinator Robin Brabant of the Institute of Natural Sciences.

About half of these bat observations are linked to sound files. However, the remaining observations are also very valuable because they can be used to determine the distribution and trends of the various species.

Bob Vandendriessche, chair of Natuurpunt’s Bat Working Group, further elaborates on the added value of a dedicated platform like DASA: “Existing platforms like observation.org (waarnemingen.be in Dutch, observations.be in French) aren’t designed to receive and share such massive datasets. While the number of individuals collecting acoustic data on a large scale may be relatively small, the data volume can quickly become very large. The size and importance of the accompanying metadata is also much greater than with other biological data, making a separate platform desirable.”

DASA is the first Belgian platform to structure bioacoustic data according to international standards and link it to international biodiversity platforms such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The infrastructure is also scalable. In addition to bat sound recordings, recordings from other animal groups, such as marine mammals and insects, will later be added. However, the focus remains on Belgian data.

 

The Digital Animal Sound Archive (DASA) project is a collaboration between the Institute of Natural Sciences, Natuurpunt, and Natagora. The platform was developed with funding from the Belgian Science Policy (BELSPO).

All data comply with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and the European Open Data Directive, making them usable worldwide for science, policy and education.

On December 9th, the tenth anniversary of the Belgian branch of the European Marine Biological Resource Centre was celebrated at the Institute of Natural Sciences. Over the past decade, the initiative has significantly strengthened access to high-quality research infra-structure, expertise, and international collaborations. The anniversary day provided the ideal opportunity to reflect on this impact and to set a course for the coming years, emphasizing collaboration, sustainability, and scientific innovation.

The Belgian branch of the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC-BE) looked back on ten years of work on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. EMBRC-BE is part of the pan-European research network EMBRC-ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium), which aims to increase our knowledge of the biodiversity and functioning of European coastal seas. EMBRC-ERIC supports and streamlines marine research throughout Europe by providing researchers with access to highly equipped laboratories in marine stations and research institutions.

The marine environment covers 71% of our planet’s surface and is crucial for all life on Earth and a wide range of human activities. Seas and oceans produce approximately half of all the oxygen we breathe. They store large amounts of CO₂, thus buffering the effects of climate change. At the same time, they are a source of food, energy, and employment for millions of people worldwide.

“The marine environment is also increasingly being used as a location for renewable energy production or aquaculture. It’s therefore crucial to fully understand how the marine ecosystem works and how we can sustainably use marine resources,” explains Jan Vanaverbeke of the Institute of Natural Sciences and Ghent University, who was involved in launching EMBRC-BE.

Marine research remains a challenge

However, researching the marine ecosystem is no easy task. Access to the sea is not always straightforward, and the specialized instruments required are often expensive and difficult for many research groups to obtain. EMBRC Belgium helps remove these barriers. The consortium combines the strengths of Belgian marine research institutions and makes high-quality infrastructure and expertise accessible to anyone who wants to conduct research on or with marine organisms.

“This way, excellent science is not hampered by practical concerns, and potentially groundbreaking research is not hindered by local constraints,” says European EMBRC Director Nicolas Pade, who has come to the celebration at the Institute of Natural Sciences for the tenth anniversary of the Belgian branch.

EMBRC Belgium sets a course for the future

Since 2025, Marleen De Troch (Ghent University) has been at the helm of the Belgian hub as its new director. Her ambitions for the coming years are clear: further promoting collaboration between research groups, supporting young researchers, and strengthening the bridge between science, policy, and the blue economy.

Marleen De Troch: “This funding makes a significant difference. We support important Belgian innovation areas in the blue economy, ecology, and nature conservation, such as the development of floating solar panels, sustainable aquaculture, and oyster reef restoration. EMBRC-BE’s scientific services have also led to more than 300 scientific publications over the past ten years.”

The ever-expanding expertise and resulting international reputation of the Belgian marine scientific community have also allowed Belgian researchers to participate in 40 European research projects. This way, a significant amount of funding flows back to our research institutions.

“Our goal remains the same: lowering barriers, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening marine research in Belgium. We also want to focus even more on innovation, knowledge sharing, and sustainability over the next ten years,” concludes De Troch.

EMBRC-Belgium is a collaboration between various research groups from Ghent University, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Hasselt University, KU Leuven, and the Institute of Natural Sciences, and is funded by Flemish and federal research funds. Within this EMBRC collaboration, the Institute of Natural Sciences strengthens the consortium with its monitoring activities and specialized research on artificial reefs.

A group of internationally renowned marine scientists under the European Marine Board has published the Future Science Brief on ‘Monitoring, Reporting and Verification for marine Carbon Dioxide Removal’. The report is clear: rapid CO₂ emissions reduction is the top priority. Carbon Dioxide Removal is not a substitute for emissions reductions; (marine) CDR can only be considered as a potential supplementary measure to support achievement of net-zero emissions. The report clarifies the current scientific, technical and regulatory challenges that must be addressed to develop appropriate and reliable MRV for any future mCDR activities, to safeguard Ocean health and those who depend on it. According to the State of Carbon Dioxide Removal report, marine CDR methods contribute less than 0.1% to current removal efforts, but this field is growing rapidly. The potential impacts on the marine environment are not yet clear but could be significant.

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) methods, including those focused on marine environments, are currently being researched and piloted. They are seen as a means to address residual emissions and remove legacy carbon from the atmosphere once greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced, and to achieve the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.

Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) is a structured process to collect, disclose and independently verify data on mCDR activities. The process includes quantifying CO₂ removals, durability, uncertainties and environmental impacts. Going forwards, science-based guidance to develop these robust, transparent and scientific MRV frameworks for mCDR is needed.

The international working group of thirteen researchers has presented its findings and clear recommendations on the Monitoring, Verification and Reporting for mCDR activities. Under the leadership of Dr Helene Muri, Senior Researcher at NILU and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway, and Dr Olivier Sulpis at CEREGE – Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IRD, France, the team produced the report, which was launched on November 17th, 2025, by the EMB in a webinar.

The document emphasises, among other points, research knowledge gaps that present major challenges for the practical implementation and efficiency of mCDR methods in the Ocean. Among them are uncertainties about the processes and impacts, and the duration for which the carbon could be stored in the Ocean.

“No mCDR method currently has a sufficiently robust, comprehensive MRV in place,” says Helene Muri. “This means that efficient and safe deployment of mCDR methods cannot be ensured at the moment”.

Building the foundations for responsible development

The working group emphasises that investing in science and innovation, such as Ocean observations and modelling approaches and infrastructure, can help to advance the MRV field. “If we would like to consider the use of mCDR, we have to invest in knowledge generation for MRV now,” says Helene Muri. “That will enable the development of fit-for-purpose MRV frameworks if or when we reach large-scale mCDR implementation.”

The researchers also call for the development of robust governance to underpin MRV for mCDR. Helene Muri: “We do not currently have dedicated governance frameworks for MRV for mCDR”. There is a need for a comprehensive, regulatory framework for MRV that will overcome the fragmentation, inconsistencies and lack of global governance of existing MRV systems.

Find out more about the Future Science Brief and download it here.

 

The Belgian Federal State is represented in the EMB by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) and in the EMB Communication Panel by the Institute of Natural Sciences.