Public Works and Water Management not only inventories its own volumes but also the data of dredging activities from other dredgers, such as port companies. The report is coordinated with relevant parties and organizations. 

When looking at the volumes per reclamation area, it appears that for 2024, all reclamation areas in the Wadden Sea have remained within the expectations of the Natura 2000 management plan.

Exceptions

Locally, there are some exceptions. The fairway de Boontjes (near Harlingen) shows a rapidly increasing volume. This is partly due to strong siltation in this area. Currently, measures are already in place (less depth, width is being investigated) to see if this can be reduced. 

For the fairway Holwerd-Ameland, the volumes remain high, but (still) below the permit-free value(s). In this dynamic channel, the peaks are again in different sections of the fairway each year. Therefore, it is considered good by the compilers to assess this channel as a whole.

Fairway Eemshaven

Fairway Eemshaven-North Sea has a different assessment framework. The expansion has been established with a Trace Decision. The current dredging volumes of nearly 4 million cubic meters are well above the previous indication. This is partly because the Ballonplaat is walking into the fairway. The more than expected dredging work mainly takes place in sandy areas. As a result, the ecological impact of the high dredging volume is expected to be limited. 

Public Works and Water Management started in 2024 with the implementation of the evaluation of the environmental impact report (MER). This will examine the effect of the increased dredging objections. We are also looking at new distribution areas. This can also help reduce the volumes.

Annual Report on Dredging Volumes 2024

Here you will find the Annual Report with dredging volumes for the year 2024 .