Core Viewpoint - Belgium has successfully transformed a century-old sunken ship into a breeding ground for European flat oysters, aiming to restore the local population that is endangered due to overfishing, parasites, and environmental degradation, thereby promoting the protection of the North Sea ecosystem [1][2]. Group 1: Project Details - The wreck of a ship that sank in 1906, located 30 kilometers off the coast of Ostend, Belgium, has been selected as the new habitat for European flat oysters [2]. - Since mid-July, 200,000 flat oyster seedlings have been placed on biodegradable materials at a depth of about 30 meters for cultivation [2]. - The project, named "Belgian Reef," is a two-year environmental research initiative funded by the EU, which prohibits fishing or other destructive activities in the surrounding waters [2]. Group 2: Ecological Importance - European flat oysters are considered a vital component of marine ecosystems, and their return is deemed necessary for ecological balance [2]. - The oysters growing on the wreck can form "reefs that purify water quality," providing breeding and feeding grounds for other marine life [2]. - It is estimated that around 30,000 oyster seedlings will mature in the sea, leading to continuous reproduction and the eventual establishment of oyster reefs that will support the local biosphere [2].