What is the case?

In the Wadden Sea, the number of migratory fish is decreasing. Some of these migratory fish, such as sea trout, are born and grow up in streams, like the Peizerdiep, which drain towards the Lauwersmeer. Due to the construction of dams, locks, and pumping stations, these migratory fish have great difficulty reaching the streams. To make the Wadden Sea more ecologically and economically robust, it is important to increase fish populations there. Experience from Denmark shows that releasing sea trout, removing barriers in migration routes, and promoting the area to sport anglers can be economically beneficial in the long run.

What is the project doing about it?

The Sud Ie and Vissen voor Verbinding projects are ecological-economic initiatives aimed at improving water quality and fish ecology, as well as stimulating the sport fishing economy in the streams, Lauwersmeer, and surrounding areas. Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with partners such as Sportvisserij Nederland, conducts fish ecological research. This research investigates how migratory fish can better migrate to the streams in Drenthe, the Wadden Sea, and the polder behind the Ezumazijl pumping station. Among other methods, modern tracking techniques are used to follow individual fish during their migration. To enhance the sport fishing economy, fishing piers are being constructed, packages are promoted, and education about migratory fish is provided to primary school children.

What does the project deliver?

The project makes a significant contribution to improving the ecology around the Lauwersmeer area. Sticklebacks and sea trout, for example, can migrate from the polders and streams to the Wadden Sea. The habitat in the streams and polders is improved by creating nature-friendly banks, spawning grounds, and fish passages. Sport anglers can enjoy fishing for sea trout in Northern Netherlands and no longer need to drive to Denmark. Finally, children in the region learn more about the importance of migratory fish.

Project Information

Researcher: Jeroen Huisman, Fish Ecology
Duration: 2019 - 2023
Project partners: Sportvisserij Nederland, Staatsbosbeheer, Sportvisserij Groningen-Drenthe, Sportvisserij Fryslân, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, the Waddenvereniging, Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, Province of Groningen, and Prolander

The subsidised activity is partly made possible with a grant from the Waddenfonds.