Ecological functioning

From an ecological perspective, the Scheldt estuary is a unique estuary. The high dynamism (with a tidal range of up to 6 meters), the presence of a complete gradient from fresh to saline water (including a 60 km long freshwater tidal area) and the associated fauna and flora make the Scheldt estuary an exceptional system within Europe. However, the intense use of the Scheldt estuary has resulted in serious pollution, eutrophication, and morphological changes. This has led to a significant deterioration in the condition of the habitats and species, and thus of the entire ecosystem. Both the Netherlands and Flanders are committed to counteracting this and to restore, protect, and further develop the nature. Measures taken in this regard fall within the projects of the Sigmaplan (Flanders) and the 'Natuurppakket Westerschelde' (Netherlands) and also consider economy, safety, and recreation. Additionally, the managers are committed to achieving sustainable use of the entire watershed.

To gain insight into the ecological functioning of the natural estuarine system, not only is the monitoring of fauna and flora important, but also their interrelationships (trophic interactions) and their connection with the set of physical and biochemical parameters that influence the ecological system. Important parameters include light radiation, pH, oxygen, temperature, and nutrients. Understanding the ecological functioning can be important to establish a connection between an intervention or change in the estuary and the functioning of the ecosystem or to predict the effect of measures on the ecosystem.