News

The Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has launched a unique underwater sound library for the North Sea. With more than 2000 sound clips, this collection offers insight into the complex soundscape of our busy sea. The library highlights trends across different years and variations between locations. In doing so, the platform supports policymakers, researchers, and the wider public in understanding...

On Tuesday 16 September, Their Majesties King Filip and Queen Mathilde visited the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Ostend. Their visit formed part of a provincial tour of West Flanders, centred on the theme of “safety at the North Sea.” At VLIZ, the focus was on the latest insights in marine research and the innovative technologies employed by scientists.

Our planet is more than 70% ocean, yet much of the seafloor remains a mystery. The international Seabed 2030 Project, an initiative of The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO, is determined to change that. Its goal: by 2030, to deliver a complete, freely accessible map of the entire ocean floor. This is more than a scientific dream; a detailed seafloor map is vital for applications such as improved...

During the unprecedented marine heatwave in 2023, the global ocean absorbed significantly less CO₂ than anticipated. That show measurements analysed by an international team of climate scientists, including Peter Landschützer of the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ).

Seven experts from Belgian universities and research institutes have been appointed as authors of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7). They are among the 761 researchers worldwide who have been selected to contribute to what will be the IPCC’s most comprehensive review of climate science to date. VLIZ is contributing climate scientist Peter...

VLIZ climate researcher Alizée Roobaert is one of the finalists of the prestigious 2024 Chen Institute and Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research. Alizée developed an innovative AI solution to monitor oceanic climate dynamics. Her essay is published in today’s issue of Science online.

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.