In order to develop the necessary knowledge, nature organisations, knowledge institutes and water boards have taken the initiative to set up a number of goal-oriented research programmes such as Waddenmozaiek (Wadden Mosaic) and ‘Swimways’ (both coordinated by the Natural Wadden Coalition) and Ruim Baan voor Vissen II (Make Room for Fish II, coordinated by the northern water boards). These organisations require support from PRW with regard to a number of aspects of implementation and execution, and even more importantly, with regard to translating the results into policy, development and management.
The details of these specific aspects are as follows:
- Enhancing the overarching collaboration between the various programmes and parties involved in these.
- Driving a major transition to a Wadden knowledge infrastructure that will facilitate policy and management and capitalise on our leading international position in Wadden knowledge, which will help boost the northern economy (among others).
- Promoting collaboration with other research institutes who possess relevant underwater knowledge. Among others, this will include Wageningen Marine Research, which monitors the effects of various fishing and shellfishing agreements and for the Statutory Research Tasks Unit for the Wadden Sea.
- Encouraging – if required – the necessary field experiments (‘learning by doing’) in collaboration with the administrative bodies and users involved (especially the fishing industry).
- Making connections between the research conducted in the Wadden Sea (including pilots) and research conducted in other large bodies of water.
- During the study: translating the results into goal-oriented agreements concerning policy, development and management in order to improve the natural environment in the Wadden Sea.
Role of the PRW:
Results to be delivered:
- Collaboration with regard to knowledge development, policy and management in the field of underwater nature in the Wadden Sea will have been improved.
- A Wadden Sea knowledge infrastructure will have been established and safeguarded.
- A collaborative community with regard to knowledge development within the Wadden Sea region will have been established, also involving expertise concerning other major bodies of water.
- Intermediary services between knowledge institutes, users and administrative bodies during the execution of field experiments.
- From 2020 onwards: translation of research results into policy and management agreements via structured discussions between knowledge institutes, policymakers and administrative bodies.
Commissioning parties:
- Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
- Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management
- Provinces in the Wadden Sea region: North Holland, Friesland and Groningen
- Natural Wadden Coalition
Follow-up action by:
- Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management
