How shared knowledge keeps our coast and Wadden Sea safe and sustainable

Knowledge from long-term research

Within the research programmes Coastal Management & Maintenance and Wadden Management & Maintenance, carried out by Deltares in collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat, knowledge is continuously collected about the development and management of the Dutch coast and Wadden Sea. The Management Libraries and Basin Reports not only make current information accessible but also preserve the knowledge built up within these programmes. In doing so, they contribute to a better understanding of how our coasts and the Wadden Sea behave, and how we can protect them in the long term.

Coastal Management Libraries

The Coastal Management Libraries (only available in Dutch) provide an up-to-date and detailed overview of the Dutch coast; from morphology and coastal defences to management measures, nature, and recreation. They describe the physical condition of the coastal sections, the functioning of the coastal system, and the state of the primary flood defences.

Deltares works closely with regional managers to ensure that local knowledge and experience are integrated, creating a complete picture of the Dutch coast as a dynamic system.

Wadden Basin Reports

The Wadden Basin Reports (only available in Dutch) focus on the dynamics of the various basins within the Wadden Sea. They describe how channels, tidal flats, and salt marshes develop, which natural processes are at play, and what these mean for flood safety, ecology, and the accessibility of islands and harbours. In addition, they provide insight into the influence of human interventions, such as channel maintenance, coastal defence measures and historical closures such as that of the Zuiderzee, on both the short- and long-term development of the Wadden Sea. These reports provide a valuable foundation for management and maintenance decisions in this unique natural area.

The Coastal Management Libraries and Wadden Basin Reports are invaluable resources for anyone involved in or interested in managing the Dutch coast and the Wadden Sea.

Nienke Vermeer, Coastal Management Library, Deltares

Foundation for the sand nourishment programme

The Coastal Management Libraries play an important role in determining the sand nourishment programme. They contain information on the Momentary Coastline (MKL) and the Baseline Coastline (BKL). The MKL represents the current position of the coastline, while the BKL indicates the minimum position required to provide adequate protection.

Each year, the To Be Assessed Coastline (TKL) is calculated. When the TKL threatens to move landward of the BKL, a sand nourishment may be planned. During this assessment, the Coastal Management Library serves as an important reference source.

Knowledge for the future

The Management Libraries and Basin Reports play an essential role in strengthening coastal and Wadden Sea management in the Netherlands. They form the basis for developing coastal advice, conducting research, and substantiating management measures such as the sand nourishment programme. They also contribute to the Sea Level Rise Knowledge Programme (KP ZSS), particularly the sub-programme focused on the sandy coast.

In addition, these knowledge products help identify knowledge gaps, a crucial step for future research and policy development. They are also used as educational tools for training new coastal and Wadden managers and for informing the public about management practices and the challenges involved.

Accessible to all

The Coastal Management Libraries and Wadden Basin Reports are valuable information sources for a wide range of audiences. Coastal and Wadden Sea managers, policymakers, and engineers use them to develop well-founded management and maintenance plans. Researchers and students will find a wealth of information on the current state and knowledge of the Dutch coast and Wadden Sea.