The OD Nature uses its scientific expertise to support of national and international policy on the North Sea, the freshwater environment and biodiversity.

Our directorate' expertise helps other scientists, policy makers and the industry on a range of topics:

the management of the oceanographic research vessel RV Belgica including the general organisation of ship time, management of the scientific equipment and financial follow-up;

measurements at sea including deployment, maintenance and data treatment of seaborne instruments, chemical, biochemical and biological measurements and assessments;

the Belgian North Sea policy support (dredging, sand and gravel extraction, windfarms, Paardenmarkt,…);

the Belgian aerial surveillance at sea;

the Belgian Biodiversity policy support;

the Belgian Freshwater policy support;

the Marine Forecast Centre;

the national Bird ringing centre.