The VLIZ annual report provides an overview of the highlights of 2023 and looks back on the functioning of the institute at the service of marine science research, policymakers, industry, educators, and the general public. Through performance indicators (KPIs), impact trajectories, lots of figures, and various listings, VLIZ tries to be as transparent as possible about its overall operation.
In the past year, 2023, VLIZ recorded many achievements. The InnovOcean Campus became a beacon in the Ostend landscape and a hub where people can meet and cooperate in a pleasant atmosphere. Moreover, in 2023, the new building of the Marine Station Ostend opened its doors. A development that is important not only for VLIZ, but by extension for the entire marine research and innovation landscape in Belgium and Flanders. This marine research and innovation landscape plays an increasingly prominent role in tackling societal challenges, according to the 10th 'Indicator Report Marine Research and Innovation 2023', which compiles standardised counts in the context of the Compendium for Coast and Sea.
With no fewer than 144 projects and project proposals implemented or initiated, 2023 was also an extremely successful year for VLIZ in terms of approved and funded projects.
Other VLIZ achievements over the past year include the successful finalisation of two short-term Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) projects, VLIZ's strengthened commitment to climate research and contribution to regional and global carbon budget analyses, the launch of the secretariat coordinating the Flemish and Belgian contribution to the Ocean Decade, and the official recognition of VLIZ as a 'Decade Implementing Partner (DIP)', the partnership between the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) and the Ocean Census with the aim of the rapid discovery and protection of marine life, and the Flemish government's investment in the development of an underwater sound library for the North Sea through which VLIZ aims to achieve the automatic recognition of natural and human sound sources in the sea in the short term.
Besides ten highlights, the annual report highlights three trajectories where VLIZ's knowledge and expertise has made a significant social or economic contribution over time. For 2023, these are the Compendium for Coast and Sea, marine data and data management and the research on plastic litter.