On behalf of the Public Works and Water Management, contractor Boskalis will work on the beach of Ameland-West, near Hollum, from April 2025 to September 2025. Approximately 2 million m³ of sand will be brought from the North Sea to the beach between beach poles 1 and 4.
Afterwards, in 2025 and 2026, sand will be added to the seabed off the coast of Ameland-East. This sand will replenish the coastline to keep the coastline of the Wadden Island in place.
Special dredging vessels, trailing suction hopper dredgers, suck sand from the seabed and bring it to the coast. For the beach nourishment at Ameland-West, the sand is pumped onto the beach through a pressure pipe and further spread with bulldozers and shovels. This sand can drift from the beach into the dunes. The sand for the seabed at Ameland-East is dumped underwater by the ship on-site, and the sand can then move towards the coast with the current. In this way, the coast and the sea defenses are strengthened with the help of nature.
Why is extra sand needed on the beach of Ameland-West?
We regularly return to the Wadden Island for the maintenance of the coast. The western tip of Ameland is eroding due to wind, waves, and currents. Sand that is moved by waves at the beach is carried away by the strong tidal current through the inlet between Terschelling and Ameland. Mainly the west coast around pole 2 is highly erosive. Further east along the coast, towards poles 6, 7, and 8, sand is being deposited, causing the coast to move seaward there.
2 years after the previous beach nourishment, approximately 2 million m³ of sand is now being added to the beach of Ameland-West, near Hollum. About 450,000 m³ of sand is also being added that has been dredged to reach the coast.
Nourishment on the seabed Ameland-East
The beach of Ameland-East is structurally losing sand. Therefore, in the course of 2025 and 2026, 3 million m³ of sand will be added to the seabed off the coast of Ameland-East. Over time, this sand will move towards the beach with the current. This extra sand will help keep the coastline of Ameland in place and allow the coast to grow with the rising sea level over time.
Beach partially closed
During the work, the beach will be temporarily partially closed. This is dangerous terrain due to the risk of quicksand and moving machinery. As soon as the added sand is dry enough to walk on, the closures will be lifted.
Beach visitors can pass the work area along the edge of the dunes or detour via the walking paths through the dunes. Information about the detour routes will be indicated on the signs around the work area and beach crossings. The beach crossings will remain open.
Considering nature
Work is being done on the beach of Ameland-West during the breeding season. The surrounding area is checked in advance for any nests, and appropriate measures are taken if necessary. The work area borders a vulnerable breeding area at pole 4. Beach visitors are requested to walk around this area, keep their distance from nesting birds, and keep dogs on a leash.
The sand for coastal maintenance is sourced from the North Sea. In the interest of nature, sand that closely resembles that on the beach is used. We also consider nature during sand extraction and maintain distance from protected birds and shell banks.
Research on the seabed
Before and after the sand extraction for this beach nourishment, we conduct research on the seabed. Over an extended period (from March 2025 to the end of 2028), we will observe how nature returns after sand extraction and which factors influence this. This knowledge will be used to better consider nature in the future.