Grevelingenmeer: ecology, water quality and sustainable use
About this expertise
In short- Conservation area
- Water quality & oxygen balance
- Muted tides & management
- Monitoring & research
- Sustainable use & aquaculture
Grevelingenmeer is the largest saltwater lake in western Europe. Besides being a nature reserve, it is also a recreational and fishing area which has been cut off from the sea since its closure by the Delta Works. WUR studies the ecology and water quality of this unique area and advises on sustainable use and management.
Grevelingenmeer is both a Natura 2000 nature reserve and a place for recreation, fishing and shellfish farming. In 1971, closure during the Delta Works turned the estuary into a closed saltwater lake. This had major consequences for ecology: the flats and mud flats became islands and banks with valuable vegetation, while new communities emerged underwater.
A key issue is the limited water exchange, which leads to oxygen deficiencies at the bottom. This affects benthic fauna and species that depend on them, such as fish and birds. WUR studies the functioning of the ecosystem and advises on measures to improve oxygen conditions.
With this knowledge, we are able to support the management of this largest saltwater lake in western Europe, so that the area retains its value as a nature reserve, recreational area and productive ecosystem.
More information
To restore water quality and ecology, the state and region are preparing plans to introduce muted tides using a culvert in the Brouwers dam. This would provide more water movement and oxygen-rich water, as well as introducing new ecological changes. WUR is studying the effects of this intervention and advises on management and the consequences for nature and users.
WUR has been monitoring shellfish stocks, benthic fauna and mussel growth for decades. We study the ecological effects of new connections such as the Flakkeese lock and use models and field data to map the carrying capacity of the lake.
Grevelingenmeer not only is important for nature, but also for shellfish farming and recreation. With ecological research and practical experiments, we are working on solutions for sustainable use of the area, in balance with wildlife values.
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dr.ir. JWM (Jeroen) Wijsman
Researcher Marine Ecology