The Nationaal Park Oosterschelde is located in the Dutch province of Zeeland. The Oosterschelde was originally a river estuary, but the construction of the Delta Works from the 1960s through to the 1980s has completely changed the dynamics of the ecosystem.
Oosterschelde map ©️ Wikipedia Creative Commons
Our shared vision
The Seagrass Consortium works to support the vision for seagrass restoration in the Nationaal Park Oosterschelde as defined by Rijkswaterstaat, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Specifically, we seek to support Rijkswaterstaat with the restoration of Zostera marina and Zostera noltii in the Nationaal Park Oosterschelde.
Historical context (reference ecosystem)
| Year | Zostera marina (ha) | Zostera noltii (ha) | Source |
| 1984 | <1 | 1040ha | Rijkswaterstaat ? (1984) |
| 1989 | <1 | 390ha | Rijkswaterstaat ? (1989) |
| 2000 | <1 | 180ha | Rijkswaterstaat ? (2000) |
| 2013 | <1 | 190ha | Rijkswaterstaat (2013) |
| 2016 | <1 | 220ha | Rijkswaterstaat (2016) |
| 2019 | <1 | 195ha | Rijkswaterstaat (2019) |
| 2023 | <1 | 210ha | Rijkswaterstaat (2023) |
| Compared to the 1984 ‘baseline’ ; the largest known seagrass meadow surface area. | ? | –79.8% |
Restoration in numbers – the data.
Key Performance Indicators and milestones we’ve achieved since 2023.
9718
Zostera noltii sods transplanted
In 2023, the Sea Ranger Service in collaboration with Rijksuniversiteit Groningen initiated sod-based Zostera marina restoration within Nationaal Park Oosterschelde.
14,000
Zostera noltii seeds planted
In 2024, the Sea Ranger Service in collaboration with Rijksuniversiteit Groningen initiated seed-based Zostera noltii restoration within Nationaal Park Oosterschelde.
88,709
Zostera marina seeds planted
In 2024, the Sea Ranger Service in collaboration with Rijksuniversiteit Groningen initiated seed-based Zostera marina restoration within Nationaal Park Oosterschelde.
Long-term vision
Key Performance Indicators and milestones we’ve achieved since 2023.
15
Test stations
Since 2023 seagrass restoration at fourteen test stations have been trialed across the Nationaal Park Oosterschelde. This pilot work has enabling us to narrow down suitable restoration sites for active restoration.
In 2023, thirteen Zostera noltii test stations were set up around the perimeter of the Oosterschelde. In 2024, four of these; Viane, Dortsman, Oostdijk and Roelshoek showed enough promise to be selected again. A fourteenth and fifteenth Zostera noltii test station was also introduced at Slaak and Oude Tonge. Two stations, Roelshoek and Oude Tonge, were tested for Zostera marina restoration.
2
Area under restoration
Within Nationaal Park Oosterschelde two of the fiften test stations have been identified for ‘large-scale’ restoration (1ha+ restoration sites)
One for Zostera noltii at Roelshoek, and a second for Zostera marina at Oude Tonge.
These are the two locations within the Nationaal Park Oosterschelde where seagrass restoration has proven most successful to date.
Discover the Vibrant Restoration Site Gallery
This section features a carefully selected array of images capturing the ‘day-to-day’ actions and the progress of our seagrass restoration efforts.
Local Partners and Initiatives
The seagrass restoration in the Nationaal Park Oosterschelde relies on a close collaboration with, and the expertise of, a number of local partners and initiatives.
Stichting Zeeschelp
‘Stichting Zeeschelp’ focuses on stimulating innovations in marine aquaculture. They ‘process’ the seagrass spathes after they are collected each summer, enabling the seeds to seperate out and be collected for winter storage.
Scientific collaborations
What if we could shield young seagrass plants germinating from seed by transplanting older plants around them? This European collaboration is testing whether an outer barrier (a U shaped ‘hug’) of seagrass helps seedlings of either the same or different species grow better inside.
Similar experiments are being replicated at several sites across Europe including in the Étang de Berre, Bay of Santander, in Mallorca and in the UK.
Science, collaboration, and restoration, all wrapped into one hug.
Restoration Overview
Discover the detailed restoration phases, providing insight into site-specific actions and progress monitoring led by the Seagrass Consortium.
Phase One: Site Assessment
Initial evaluation of site conditions and ecological factors critical for planning effective seagrass restoration efforts.
Phase Two: Restoration Implementation
Execution of restoration activities including planting, habitat enhancement, and continuous site management.
Phase Three: Monitoring & Reporting
Ongoing monitoring to assess seagrass recovery, ensuring the restoration goals are met and informing future improvements.