Resources

The influence of the contruction of Maasvlakte 2 on nature

Data set information

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General  
Data holding centreWageningen Marine Research (Yerseke)
CountryNetherlands  Netherlands
ProjectThe influence of the construction of Maasvlakte 2 on nature(MV2 construction)
Time periodSampling in spring 2006, 2008-
OngoingYes
Geographical area

Dutch coastal zone

Observations 
Parameters

Zoobenthos dry weight biomass; Zoobenthos taxonomic abundance

Instruments

Benthos samplers; sediment dredges

Description 
Summary

In September 2008 the construction of Maasvlakte 2, an enlargement of Rotterdam harbour with 20 km2, started. For the first phase of the project an amount of 290 million m3 of marine sand is needed. A study is made which describes the influence of the construction and sand extraction on nature and other uses of the sea. Monitoring has started to examine the effects of this large scale marine sand extraction. The influence of the extraction on benthic fauna in the vicinity of the pit and the recovery of the benthic fauna within the pits are studied by sampling in influenced areas to determine biomass and species until total recovery is reached. It is expected that the benthic fauna will recover within 6 years. This study is part of the baseline measurements started in 2006 to study not only the re-colonization but also the effect of a possible decrease in light to pass through the water column during the period of sand extraction. This might result in decrease in food for e.g. mollusks which in turn are a staple diet of bird and fish species. This research is carried out for the Port of Rotterdam.

OriginatorsWageningen Marine Research (Yerseke)
Availability 
OrganisationWageningen Marine Research (Yerseke)
AvailabilityBy negotiation
ContactJohan Craeymeersch
Address

Wageningen Marine Research (Yerseke)
Korringaweg 5
Yerseke

4401 NT
Netherlands

Telephone+31 317487075
Facsimile+31 317487359
Administration 
Collating centreNational Oceanographic Data Committee
Local identifier5730005
Global identifier4821
Last revised2011-02-24