13 years of research and 50,000 samples provide insights into the Wadden Sea
Over the past 13 years, researchers from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) have studied the condition of the Wadden Sea. The collected data reveals not only where different benthic species prefer to live but also how their environment is structured.
Since 2019, Rijkswaterstaat has been one of the funders of this research, known as the Synoptic Intertidal Benthic Survey (SIBES).
Because the research spans such a long period, scientists have gained valuable insights into how the Wadden Sea’s intertidal flats are changing over time. The data can support government decision-making regarding the protection of the Wadden Sea.
Open-access data
The collected data is publicly available to anyone interested in using it. Sander Holthuijsen, project leader for Baseline Monitoring Wadden Sea at Rijkswaterstaat, is pleased that these findings have now been published.
‘I have contributed to this programme for 15 seasons, so I know firsthand how much work goes into collecting data each year and, just as importantly, processing the samples in the laboratory.’
Follow-up research
NIOZ is also conducting research on behalf of Rijkswaterstaat into benthic life and sediment composition in the subtidal areas of the Wadden Sea. This study, like SIBES, involves the collection and analysis of sediment samples, with Rijkswaterstaat providing funding.
The research is set to be completed by the end of 2027. The results will help support the management of the Wadden Sea as a Natura 2000 site.
SUBES
The Synoptic Subtidal Benthic Survey (SUBES) is the methodology used in this study. Sediment samples are collected every 1,000 metres in the subtidal areas of the Wadden Sea.
Samples are taken using a box corer from a research vessel or, in shallow areas, using a core sampler from an inflatable boat. In total, more than 1,000 sampling points are covered. All benthic organisms larger than 1 mm are extracted from the standardised samples. Each specimen is identified, measured, and weighed in a laboratory.
Understanding what happens beneath the surface
As an environmental manager of large water bodies, we aim to gain insight into the ecological water and sediment quality of the Wadden Sea. Key ecological changes in aquatic systems often begin with shifts in sediment composition and benthic life. Scientific research in the subtidal zones of the Wadden Sea is therefore essential.
SIBES results
The results of the completed SIBES study can be found on the Nature website.
