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During the approval procedure following the feasibility study, some experts from nature conservation authorities and associations generally doubted the ecological effectiveness of fresh water mudflats in the upper part of the Weser estuary. One main argument was that mudflat development in this estuary section is mainly due to an anthropogenically induced increase of the tidal amplitude. Although potential positive effects in view of invertebrates and birds (e.g. as feeding grounds) were confirmed, the experts preferred to reduce the aimed at mudflat area expansion on the project area in favor of an expansion of the shallow water zone. The respective new project scenario will result in a lower diversity of tidal habitats and a smaller contact zone between river and project area. However, the overall target achievement of the measure will not be affected or –with regard to fish fauna- even be improved. Basically, a lack of knowledge regarding the ecological functioning of anthropogenic freshwater mudflats has to be stated clearly.
Lessons learned
The agreement on the preferential scenario of the feasibility study reached and recorded in the frame of the final stakeholder meeting should additionally have been formally fixed by the heads of respective departments and associations.
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Werderland
Table of content
- 1. Measure description
- 1a. Project description
- 1b. Monitoring
- 2. Execution of main effectiveness criteria
- 2a. Effectiveness according to development targets of measure
- 2b. Impact on ecosystem services
- 2c. Degree of synergistic effects and conflicts according to uses
- 3. Additional evaluation criteria in view of EU environmental law
- 3a. Degree of synergistic effects and conflicts according to WFD aims
- 3b. Degree of synergistic effects according to Natura 2000 aims
- 4. Crux of the matter
- 5. Literature
Additional information
for this measure:
No further information available.
for this measure:
No further information available.
Crux of the matter
Gaps of knowledgeDuring the approval procedure following the feasibility study, some experts from nature conservation authorities and associations generally doubted the ecological effectiveness of fresh water mudflats in the upper part of the Weser estuary. One main argument was that mudflat development in this estuary section is mainly due to an anthropogenically induced increase of the tidal amplitude. Although potential positive effects in view of invertebrates and birds (e.g. as feeding grounds) were confirmed, the experts preferred to reduce the aimed at mudflat area expansion on the project area in favor of an expansion of the shallow water zone. The respective new project scenario will result in a lower diversity of tidal habitats and a smaller contact zone between river and project area. However, the overall target achievement of the measure will not be affected or –with regard to fish fauna- even be improved. Basically, a lack of knowledge regarding the ecological functioning of anthropogenic freshwater mudflats has to be stated clearly.
Lessons learned
The agreement on the preferential scenario of the feasibility study reached and recorded in the frame of the final stakeholder meeting should additionally have been formally fixed by the heads of respective departments and associations.