Wageningen Marine Research
Wageningen Marine Research studies how marine, coastal and freshwater systems function, are used and can be protected. We combine science and practice to manage these ecosystems sustainably. As part of Wageningen University & Research, we contribute to a healthy future for all life in and around the water.
Our locations
For developing new knowledge, Wageningen Marine Research has three research locations throughout the Netherlands at its disposal.
About Wageningen Marine Research
We study how human activities – from fisheries to energy production – can coexist with resilient ecosystems. We also examine the effects of pollution by plastics and chemicals on water quality and biodiversity. With our knowledge, we support governments, businesses and societal organisations in making choices that keep nature and the economy in balance.
Rivers, lakes and sea: we study the interactions between fresh, saline and brackish waters. Our insights contribute to the restoration of fish migration, water quality and biodiversity in interconnected systems.
Our researchers combine fieldwork, laboratory research, modelling and data analysis to better understand how human use and pollution affect ecosystems. We translate this knowledge into advice and action perspectives that support policy and management.
We collaborate with governments, businesses and societal organisations, nationally and internationally. Together, we bring knowledge into motion – for resilient ecosystems and the sustainable use of our seas, coasts and inland waters.
We work closely within and beyond WUR, on topics such as climate adaptation, offshore energy, coastal protection and clean water.
Wageningen Marine Research is an independent and recognised research institute within Wageningen University & Research.
Our roots lie in decades of marine and fisheries research, contributing to policy and management at national and European levels.
Our work focuses on themes such as fisheries, aquaculture (shellfish and seaweed), aquatic ecology, water quality and pollution (including plastics), environmental effects and spatial planning at sea and in coastal areas.
Our collection contains 2800 photos related to marine and freshwater research, mainly focusing on the Netherlands (North Sea, Wadden Sea, Zeeland, Dutch Caribbean). The photos were made by staff members of Wageningen Marine Research.
Weblogs
Herring Acoustic Survey
Wageningen Marine Research leads the Dutch part of the North Sea herring acoustic survey. During this annual survey we continuously send out vertical sound waves through the water and collect acoustic backscatter data.
The combined internationally coordinated effort will deliver an estimate of the herring stock size in the North Sea.
Beam Trawl Survey (BTS)
Every summer, Wageningen Marine Research carries out a Beam Trawl Survey in the North Sea on the Tridens research vessel. The primary aim of the Beam Trawl Survey (BTS) is to supply fisheries with independent stock indices and estimates of the age-structure of North Sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and sole (Solea solea, Solea vulgaris).
The BTS indices are used by the ICES Working Group on the Assessment of Demersal Stocks in the North Sea and Skagerrak (WGNSSK) for stock assessments and recruitment estimation. Both are important data sources for the catch predictions and hence for management advice.
Blue Whiting Survey
Every spring, colleagues of Wageningen Marine Research join the Dutch part of the annual blue whiting acoustic survey. The researchers keep a blog about their findings and experiences.
This research represents the EU part of an internationally coordinated effort to estimate the size of the blue whiting stock west of the British Isles.
Herring Acoustic Survey
Wageningen Marine Research leads the Dutch part of the North Sea herring acoustic survey. During this annual survey we continuously send out vertical sound waves through the water and collect acoustic backscatter data.
The combined internationally coordinated effort will deliver an estimate of the herring stock size in the North Sea.
Beam Trawl Survey (BTS)
Every summer, Wageningen Marine Research carries out a Beam Trawl Survey in the North Sea on the Tridens research vessel. The primary aim of the Beam Trawl Survey (BTS) is to supply fisheries with independent stock indices and estimates of the age-structure of North Sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and sole (Solea solea, Solea vulgaris).
The BTS indices are used by the ICES Working Group on the Assessment of Demersal Stocks in the North Sea and Skagerrak (WGNSSK) for stock assessments and recruitment estimation. Both are important data sources for the catch predictions and hence for management advice.
Blue Whiting Survey
Every spring, colleagues of Wageningen Marine Research join the Dutch part of the annual blue whiting acoustic survey. The researchers keep a blog about their findings and experiences.
This research represents the EU part of an internationally coordinated effort to estimate the size of the blue whiting stock west of the British Isles.
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