Ecological monitoring and data
The benefits
In short- Unique extensive data sets
- Compare between different years
- Estimate fish and shellfish populations
- Development of the seal population
- Dynamics of species and ecosystems
Since the 1970s, Wageningen Marine Research has gathered data on the Wadden Sea, the Dutch delta, the North Sea and national freshwaters in the Netherlands (IJsselmeer and Markermeer, major rivers), the Antarctic and, since recently, the Caribbean. These extensive data sets for, among others, fish species, fauna in and on the seabed, salt marshes, mussel beds, birds, sea mammals and coral reefs are our unique assets.
Methods
The data are usually gathered within long-running monitoring projects, which means the methodology for the species or group remains constant over time, allowing for comparison between different years.
Application
Our monitoring data are used, for example, to estimate fish and shellfish populations, to determine the development of the seal population and to gain insight into the biodiversity and the dynamics of species and ecosystems.
Data portals: openly available research data
Get in touch with our expert
Questions about our ecological monitoring and data? Contact our expert.
ing. IJ (Ingeborg) de Boois
Dept. head Centre for Fisheries Research; Project leader statutory task fish surveys at sea
