Because the stones handed in will be used to establish new rock reefs along the Limfjord.
Four new and living rock reefs
Since April, you in Aalborg Municipality have been able to drop off excess natural stone at selected recycling sites in the city.
The project originates from Kysthjælperne, and the project was started by Denmark’s Sports Fishermen’s Association, in collaboration with a number of organizations and universities. They have received support from the VELUX FOUNDATION, but all work is voluntary.
Although the work is voluntary, establishing the rock reefs is not free. Some parties work for free, but several foundations, pools and Aalborg Municipality itself provide financial support for the project.
– In the first years, a lot has gone into managing and initiating the project. Last year, some of the money also went to the establishment. It probably cost about DKK 300,000 to establish the new stone reefs, says Klavs B. Frederiksen, project manager at the Limfjord Council.
Several hundred tons
The possibility of handing in stones has been limited to selected recycling sites this year. However, they have been well attended. This year, a good 120 tonnes of stone have been handed in for the project – by private individuals alone.
In total, 700 tons of stones have been collected. The vast majority comes from construction projects and agriculture.
The many stones have now spawned four new rock reefs in the fjord. At Lindholm, Gjøl and the estuaries at Binderup and Lindenborg Å.
The submitted stones are laid out in four places in the Limfjord, where they form rock reefs. Photo: Limfjord Council
The project will continue in 2025, when it is expected to have collected a similar amount of stones according to Klavs B. Frederiksen.
– It may be more, it may be less. As long as someone wants to pay to put the stones out, it can be done, he says.
Larger construction projects are, among other things, one of the factors that can have a large influence on the amount of stones collected.
– If you have a huge construction project and 30 excavators are running, they will come across an infinite number of stones. They can sort out the stones they dig up, and then we can use them, says Klavs B. Frederiksen.
Extends over municipal boundaries
Until now, the project has only run at selected recycling stations in Aalborg Municipality. Now, however, it is being extended to the entire municipality.
The expansion of the project does not only take place in Aalborg. Jammerbugt Municipality is now jumping into the water. In 2024, you will be able to hand in natural stone at 14 recycling sites across Aalborg and Jammerbugt Municipality.
How do you incorporate your stones?
- You can drop off your natural stones at all recycling sites in Aalborg and Jammerbugt Municipality.
- The natural stones must be handed in at a specially designated place – usually in a container or a selected area of the recycling site
- The natural stones must be larger than 10 cm, and there must not be mixed construction waste such as tiles, rubble or the like.
- Only natural stone is used to establish the stone reefs
Aalborg Municipality
But the project does not have to stop there, according to Klavs B. Frederiksen. An extension to the other Limfjord municipalities is definitely a possibility.
– I think you can. It requires a collaboration built around Nordværk. But they have provided some creative and imaginative people. There is of course also an extra burden for us to do an extra sorting, but we actually do that for free, he says.
Restores habitats
With the establishment of the rock reefs, an attempt is being made to recreate some of the habitats that have disappeared from the Limfjord.
– An incredible number of stones have been fished out of our waters. Before we got concrete factories, the stones were used to make coastal defences, harbor piers and other construction, says Klavs B. Frederiksen.
The new reefs will bring life back to Limfjorden. The stone reefs will, among other things, be home to lobsters, fish and a variety of plants.
By recreating the physical prerequisites for life in the Limfjord, better biodiversity can be ensured. However, the new stone reefs do not solve all problems.
– Limfjorden’s biggest challenge is oxygen loss, and the rock reef can’t do anything about that, says Klavs B. Jørgensen.
2024-12-08 09:35:00
#key #life #Limfjord #garden
How can residents of Aalborg and Jammerbugt municipalities participate in the rock reef project?
## Creating New Life in the Limfjord: An Interview About Rock Reefs
**Host:** Joining us today is Klavs B. Frederiksen, project manager of the Limfjord Council’s rock reef initiative. Klavs, welcome to the show.
**Klavs:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** So, tell us about this fascinating project— what exactly are you aiming to achieve?
**Klavs:** We are working to create new rock reefs in the Limfjord, using stones kindly donated by local residents and construction projects. These reefs will [1] become vibrant habitats for marine life, boosting the biodiversity of the fjord.
**Host:** That’s incredible! Why is it so crucial to create these artificial reefs?
**Klavs:** [1] The seabed in the Limfjord is surprisingly barren in many places. Our aim is to restore these areas, giving marine species like fish, oysters, and mussels a place to thrive.
**Host:** You mentioned donations. How can people get involved?
**Klavs:** [2] It’s incredibly easy. Residents can drop off their excess natural stones, larger than 10 cm in size, at designated recycling sites across Aalborg and Jammerbugt municipalities.
**Host:** And these stones have been used to create four new reefs already?
**Klavs:** That’s correct. [2] We’ve established reefs at Lindholm, Gjøl, and the estuaries at Binderup and Lindenborg Å. And the project continues to grow.
**Host:** [2] That’s a truly amazing accomplishment! What’s the next step?
**Klavs:** We’ll continue to collect stones and create more reefs. [2] Our goal is to collect a similar amount of stones in 2025, possibly even more.
**Host:** Fantastic! So truly, everyone can play a part in restoring the health of the Limfjord.
**Klavs:** Absolutely! Every stone donation is a contribution to a healthier, more vibrant Limfjord.
**Host:** Klavs, thank you so much for sharing this inspiring project with us.
**Klavs:** Thank you for having me.
