Themes
Would you like to know more about our research on coast and sea? Dive into the depths of our research themes, public dossiers and interesting facts!
Offshore wind energy
A large part of the energy transition in the Netherlands is taking place in the North Sea. The large-scale development of offshore wind farms has far-reaching consequences for both nature and the spatial planning of activities at sea, and thus for all users of the North Sea. There are still many knowledge gaps about the ecological functioning of the North Sea for the government, the wind energy sector and the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Wageningen Marine Research offers scientific support and advice for policy choices, and our experts will work with you to explore the risks and opportunities of wind farms in the North Sea.
Fisheries in transition
These are turbulent times for fisheries. A combination of rapid developments is putting the sector under great pressure. For example, fewer fishing grounds are available due to the arrival of wind farms at sea and Natura 2000 areas that are not fishable. Brexit, the landing obligation and the ban on pulse fishing also have a major impact on fishers. In addition, public attention for fish welfare is growing and climate change has serious consequences for fish and fisheries. A transition is needed to maintain a long-term perspective. The Dutch government wants fisheries to become more sustainable, with less seabed disturbance, less fuel consumption and less unwanted bycatch. Together with fishers, researchers from Wageningen are investigating how this can be achieved.
Maritime Services
Are you looking for a realistic assessment of the possible environmental impact of wastewater, marine pollution, or antifouling agents? Would you like to have your ballast water management system tested or certified? Would you like to brainstorm about the environmental aspects of innovations in the maritime sector? If so, look no further than Wageningen Marine Research. We would like to join you in exploring solutions for new challenges such as climate change, multifunctional use of space, and the sustainability of the maritime sector.
Ecological monitoring and data
Since the 1970s, Wageningen Marine Research has gathered data on the Wadden Sea, the Dutch delta, the North Sea and national freshwaters in the Netherlands (IJsselmeer and Markermeer, major rivers), the Antarctic and, since recently, the Caribbean. These extensive data sets for, among others, fish species, fauna in and on the seabed, salt marshes, mussel beds, birds, sea mammals and coral reefs are unique assets of Wageningen Marine Research.
Climate and Coast
Climate change has a significant impact on coastal regions throughout the world. Wageningen Marine Research has expertise in nature-based solutions that fortify coastal areas, such as salt marshes, dunes, oyster reefs and mangrove forests. We also conduct fundamental research on the effects of temperature change in seas or coastal ecosystems and the food web. And, finally, we carry out impact studies on wind energy, tidal energy, solar energy and other renewables.
Marine nature and biodiversity
Wageningen Marine Research studies marine nature and biodiversity across the globe, from the Arctic regions to the tropics. We gather essential data and build expertise on habitats and species through image monitoring, DNA, telemetry and benthic sampling. These insights and scenario models support our partners in making governance and conservation decisions for the future.
Freshwater fish ecology
A healthy fish stock in the Dutch rivers, lakes and delta depends on good policy and management. This requires knowledge of ecology: how do natural processes and human interventions influence the freshwater ecosystem? Wageningen Marine Research studies the behaviour and habitat of fish species such as bream and eel and determines the size of fish stocks. We also study the impact of climate change and environmental development on freshwater fish. With this knowledge, we advise the government, commercial fishery and recreational fishery about developments and measures that benefit freshwater fish and biodiversity.
Dossiers per topic
Interesting facts
