Knowledge requirements group aimed at The Flemish and Dutch government have adopted the Development Plan 2010 for the Western Scheldt. This plan aims at improving the navigability for container ships, the safety of the Flemish region and restoration of nature with an adjourning monitoring programme. To facilitate an integrated development of the user functions transport, safety and nature within a healthy ecosystem more knowledge of the functioning of the system is required.
Research objectives To investigate the development of habitats and species in the Western Scheldt in relation to abiotic and biotic processes in pursuance of the goals of Natura-2000 and LTV O&M. Using reference situations, a definition of a healthy estuary will be developed, including the criteria how to recognize and judge this status of the ecosystem. In close cooperation with the Flemish research plans, a long term strategic research plan will be developed and implemented.
Results and products The results will be presented in reports and presentations with the emphasis on answering the questions whether the Western Scheldt estuary develops in line with the expectations and aims of LNV policies, and whether these developments satisfactorily facilitate the economical en ecological progress and societal use of the area.
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