Have you seen the tidal mud flats and salt marshes of the Wadden Sea?
The Wadden Sea covers western Denmark, the north western coast of Germany and the northern corner of the Netherlands. It stretches along an approximately 500-km long coastline. The surface area, which is mostly covered by the ocean during high tide measures about 9 000 km2. When the water pulls back during low tide, much of the Wadden Sea turns into mud flats.
Wadden Sea stretches alongside a varied coastline composed of a barrier coast with barrier islands, mudflat systems and coastal lagoons, river-deltas and river mouths with large areas of brackish water. It is home to a large number of fish species and more than 10 million birds. The Sea delivers a number of eco-system services, such as fishing, recreation, nesting areas for birds, water-born transport, gravel and sand and opportunities for swimming.
The ecosystem now faces several threats to the services it provides. These threats include gas exploitation, tourism, fisheries for shellfish, overfishing and strong storm surges. If no action is taken, they will reduce the Wadden Sea’s ability to service both humans and animals alike.
Local observers can measure water levels, plankton levels, the amount of birds and animals present, fish stock levels and more. Ecopotential, funded by EU’s H2020 programme, contributes aerial imaging, which can measure sea extension and long-term ecosystem changes.
