Life on the rocks- biodiversity assessments on breakwaters
The Netherlands have been building dikes to protect their country from flooding events for a long time. Although the province of Zeeland is currently well protected with dikes along its estuaries, these regularly need to be replaced or reinforced. In 2016 as part of the Buitendijks-project funded by the province of Zeeland several new breakwaters were placed in the Western Scheldt in order to protect the shore from erosion and increase the area of intertidal mudflats. Between the breakwaters, the sedimentation will be monitored. Furthermore, the added value to nature of the breakwaters will be monitored. During the minor you assess and report the sedimentation between the breakwaters and the development of seaweeds and sessile invertebrates on the breakwaters. Also you will be involved in the design of new breakwaters that aim to create a high biodiversity.
Research type: Field work and desk analysis
Research level: Minor or Internship
Prerequisite: Interest in aquatic ecology
Partners: NIOZ
Client: Tim van Oijen