News

From June 9th to 13th, more than 14,000 participants from 175 countries, including 75 heads of state and government, gathered for the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. They had one goal in mind: to secure the future of our ocean. Flanders and VLIZ were present with a robust delegation, bringing substantial expertise in marine science, innovation, and coastal policy. On the first day of the Ocean...

At the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), 9-13 June 2025, Mercator Ocean International unveiled the next-generation European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO), an advanced AI-powered platform designed to simulate and explore “what-if” scenarios that reveal the potential impacts of our decisions —past, present and future — on the marine environment and the socio-economical activities. As a major outcome...

Flanders is internationally recognised for its wide range of marine and maritime companies and research institutes. The brochure 'Gearing up our blue knowledge' gives a clear overview and snapshot of our expertise and achievements in this field.

Last month, the uncrewed vessel USV Gobelijn carried out the very first multi-day uncrewed mission in Belgian Part of the North Sea. This important milestone in the future of uncrewed marine operations in Belgium was made possible thanks to a strong and open partnership with the FPS Mobility and Transport, the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK), the Joint Nautical Authority (GNA)...

The VLIZ Annual Report 2024 offers a clear and concise look back at the key moments of the past year. It outlines how the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) supported marine science, policy makers, industry, educators, and the general public. Using performance indicators (KPIs), impact stories, statistics, and lists, the annual report gives a transparent overview of the institute’s overall...

Dr. Ann-Katrien Lescrauwaet, Director of International Relations at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), was awarded the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) Achievement Award 2024 in recognition for her commitment and contribution to the IODE. More specifically, Ann-Katrien received the award as an acknowledgement for her efforts to operate as a liaison between the...

Groundbreaking research thrives on passion, innovation and persistence. At the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), our commitment to polar climate research exemplifies this principle. Since the launch of the Marine Robotics Centre six years ago, collaboration between engineers, researchers and state-of-the-art infrastructure has rapidly positioned VLIZ as a key player in polar science. By...

The eighth edition of the Big Seashell Survey was a record-breaking event. No fewer than 3,500 participants scoured 400 km of coastline in northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, collecting and identifying nearly 150,000 shells from 72 different species. This year, the differences between the three countries were less pronounced, with the cut trough shell ranking as the most frequently...

The original anchor of the first Belgica serves as a silent witness to the legendary Belgica expedition of 1897-1899. After a tumultuous history, the ship was scuttled in a Norwegian fjord during the Second World War. Half a century later, local divers recovered the anchor and handed it over to the Belgica Society, which in 2024 donated it to the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). On 19 March 2025...

As for previous years, the World Register of Marine Species ( WoRMS) has again released its annual list of the top-ten marine species described by researchers during the past year to coincide with World Taxonomist Appreciation Day on March 19th!

As climate change accelerates and sea levels rise, coastal regions face unprecedented threats. Traditional methods of coastal protection are evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Enter the dune-dike solution: a hybrid, nature-based approach that combines natural dunes with man-made dikes to offer resilient, adaptable, and sustainable coastal protection. This method is gaining...

The Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), VITO, and River Cleanup joined forces with INSPIRE, a European innovation project that tackles plastic pollution in rivers. Today, they presented the first results in their test zone, on the banks of the Scheldt in Temse.

On Wednesday, March 5, the VLIZ Marine Science Day (#VMSD25) took place at the VIVES Campus in Bruges. With over 500 participants, this was the most successful edition to date. This annual event, recognized as an initiative within the UN Ocean Decade, brought together scientists, students, and marine experts for an inspiring day of cutting-edge research and networking opportunities. This year was...

The Sea as a Good Cause – VLIZ's charitable initiative – awards the Brilliant Marine Research Idea (BMRI) grants annually, valued at 5,000 euros each. In 2025, six laureates received additional encouragement for their marine research through this funding. The BMRI grants can only be realized financially thanks to donations, VLIZ membership contributions, and sponsorships. They were awarded their...

The ocean and coastal areas play a crucial role in our health and well-being. From bioactive compounds derived from marine organisms to the positive effects of coastal landscapes on stress and cognitive functions, marine research continues to provide valuable insights that contribute to medical advancements and overall well-being. The prestigious Delcroix Awards, presented by Hydro vzw and The Sea...

Many people experience a sense of relaxation and well-being when spending time by the sea. Scientific studies have shown that living near the ocean is linked to better health, though the exact reasons for this are not yet fully understood. Recent research by Yunmeng Li (VLIZ, Ghent University, and the University of Antwerp) sheds new light on a surprising factor: the air we breathe at the coast...

On Thursday, 23rd January 2025, Secretary of State Ms. Alexia Bertrand officially launched Belgium's bid to host the secretariat for the 'Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction' (BBNJ) in Brussels. The event was held at the Egmont Palace, attended by a wide array of the global diplomatic community in Brussels. The Belgian...

The newly appointed EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis visited – at the invitation and in the presence of Minister Crevits, Governor Decaluwé and a delegation of European, federal, regional and local dignitaries – the research facilities of the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and the Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) in Ostend on 20 January. In the...