Problem description: The Ecological network of the Netherlands is well developed on the terrestrial part. However, the marine area s form the largest part of the Dutch ecological network. Therefore the installation and the implementation of the ecological network for the marine environment need a catching up. This (national) development coincides with the international NATURA 2000- program. For the Wadden Sea this means that nature conservation policy must be implemented. The North Sea is one step behind; Nature conservation objectives must first be formulated.
Research objectives: Although the Wadden Sea has the image of a nature conservation site, in real there are a lot of activities. The question is whether these activities are in line with the objectives of the NATURA 2000 policy. Part of this research program must provide information to answer this question. For the North Sea the situation is slightly different. The North Sea has the image of a flooded industrial area. In real the North Sea has a lot of valuable nature which is worth to be protected. The other part of the program is designed to deliver the fundaments and the scientific evidence for the policy makers to decide which sites are to be protected and what the best way to realize these marine protected areas.
Materials and methods For this research a variety of methods is needed. Harbour Porpoises are counted from an airplane. The death cause of stranded harbour porpoises is diagnosed by anatomic and pathologic analysis. In order to determine the effects of fisheries in the Waddensea, surveys are organized, and to find the best way to deal with mussels industry small experimental sites are explored. Even the old fashioned bird watching is part of this research program, however with the most advanced material.
Results and products aimed at The results are mostly in the traditional form of reports. It must be said that the most effective way to exchange knowledge is by personal interaction between researcher and policy maker; workshops, presentations, discussions, etc. |