Soil samples will also be taken. The research will continue until 2028.

Sand Extraction in the North Sea

Starting this spring, we will again deposit sand for coastal maintenance of Ameland: in the summer of 2025 on the beach of Ameland-West and subsequently on the seabed near Ameland-East. The sand for these nourishments comes from the North Sea seabed and is extracted up to a depth of 6 meters.

We aim to understand the seabed life before, during, and after sand extraction. This will be compared with similar seabed locations nearby where no sand is extracted (Before After Control Impact). This will gather knowledge about the return of seabed nature, which can be considered in future sand extraction projects.

Measuring Frames on the Seabed

Measuring frames with sensors will be placed at three locations north of Ameland: one at the sand extraction site and two at comparable nearby locations where no sand is extracted.

The locations where the measuring frames are placed on the seabed are marked with buoys. The frames will be positioned at a depth of 20 to 25 meters. Sensors on the frames measure properties of the seawater, such as currents and turbulence, as well as oxygen and salinity levels.

Additionally, soil samples are taken to map the seabed life. This provides insight into conditions that can affect the return of seabed life.

We are collaborating with Wageningen Marine Research, Deltares, Delft University of Technology, and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ). The research is co-financed by the La MER foundation, which includes commercial sand extraction companies in the Netherlands.

The research will continue until 2028. It is part of the monitoring and evaluation program Sand from the Sea required for the sand extraction permit under the Environmental Act.