Win-Win solutions

Coastal Zone Management in the Dutch Wadden Sea

‘Creating win-win solutions’

Multidisciplinary research team including biologists

LEI : economic analysis

Win-Win solutions

Ecological value of the Wadden Sea

Europe’s largest wetland ecosystem

One of the most important habitats for migrating birds in the world

Protected by several laws and treaties

But : also used for military defence, extraction of gas, recreation and fishing

Win-Win solutions

Economic value for Dutch fisheries

Important fishing ground : 15% of value of landings of total Dutch fleet

Dominant species : shrimps, mussels, cockles

Significance of Wadden Sea area

% of total landings value

Shrimp fishery 50-75Mussel culture 50Cockle fishery 95

Win-Win solutions

Coastal Zone Management in the Wadden Sea

Sea and Fisheries Coastal Policy was implemented in 1993

Limitations to fisheries including closure of 26% of the Wadden Sea for fishing activities

Other measures taken:- implementation of yearly fishing plans;- reduction of fishing capacity;- control system (black box on board) and

heavy sanctions;

Responsibilities for the fishing plans were transferred to Producers Organisations (PO’s)

Win-Win solutions

Combination of the scores for the economic position

Value added Continuation Combined score

Opening of area:

Balgzand +1,0 + 1,0 + 1,0Piet Scheve 0 0 0Uithuizen- small +1,0 + 1,0 + 1,0Uithuizen-large +1,0 + 3,0 + 2,0

Closure of area:

Schierm'oog -1,0 - 3,0- 2,0Vlieland - 1,0 - 3,0 - 2,0Ameland-coast 0 0 0Ameland-large - 1,0 - 1,0 - 1,0Griend - 1,0 - 1,0 - 1,0

Win-Win solutions

Main policy option to be analysed : exchange of areas

Criteria with respect to nature values:

- the level of damage to areas which have been undisturbed for some time;- the consequences for the food supply of birds;- the influence on the chances for new stable mussel beds and eel grass fields;- the effects on the economic position of the shellfish industry.

Criteria with respect to economic position:

- the effects on the average value added;- the effects on the continuation prospects of the industry.

Win-Win solutions

Combination of the scores for nature values

Damage Food supply Mussel- Averagebirds beds/grass

Opening of area:

Balgzand - 3,0 - 3,0 - 2,0 - 2,67Piet Scheve - 3,0 - 2,5 - 1,0 - 2,17Uithuizen- small - 3,0 - 1,5 - 1,0 - 1,83Uithuizen-large - 3,0 - 3,0 - 2,0 - 2,67

Closure of area:

Schierm'oog + 1,0 + 1,5 + 1,0 + 1,17Vlieland + 1,0 + 1,5 + 1,0 + 1,17Ameland-coast + 1,0 + 1,5 + 2,0 + 1,50Ameland-large + 1,0 + 3,0 + 2,0 + 2,00Griend + 1,0 + 1,5 + 1,0 + 1,17

Win-Win solutions

Conclusions

Exchange of areas doesn’t lead to gains for nature unless a relative larger area is closed

Exchanges of areas can benefit the economic position of the industry

Sensitivity analysis shows no significant changes in the results

Politicians have to decide!