Bomhofsplas Solar Farm Zwolle, Netherlands

The 20 Biohuts were installed in three separate areas of the park, divided into three groups of 8, 6, and 6 units, respectively. The three monitoring campaigns revealed three species of fish (common perch, cyprinids, and tubular-nosed goby) and two species of invertebrates (Limnae sp. and gammarids). In total, we observed 2,382 individuals during the three monitoring campaigns, including 1,951 invertebrates and 431 fish. We also observed zebra mussels and freshwater sponges (Spongilla lacustris) on the grilles of some Biohuts. 

The most recent survey, conducted in 2023, also revealed that we may have reached a peak in the number of species present in the Bomhofsplas solar park. The significant abundance of species at the base of the food chain, such as daphnia and gammarids, indicates that the Biohut ecosystem is balanced and functioning well to support aquatic life. The high abundance of small arthropods is of crucial importance because they play a role in the food chain. They serve as prey for other fish species and larger animals. Their abundance indicates an environment conducive to the proliferation of a diverse aquatic fauna, which is essential to the health and stability of the ecosystem as a whole.

These results are encouraging and highlight the importance of the Biohut as an artificial structure that benefits aquatic biodiversity. The Biohut plays a role in preserving and supporting key ecological functions within the Bomhofsplas sandpit ecosystem, thereby contributing to the conservation of aquatic life and environmental sustainability.