- gulls on the beach, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Coastal zone
The coastal zone encompasses the entire Dutch coastal stroke extending to where the sea measures 20 meters deep. It is a region of ebb and flood, and strong currents. The currents are important for the transportation of sand and mud for coastal building and for the transportation of fish larvae to the nurseries. In addition, some species of shellfish (such as spisula and razor shells) can establish large populations thanks to the high dynamics. This in turn is important for birds.
- Coastal fish
- Sandwich terns, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Many fish species live exclusively in shallow coastal waters, such as gobies, armed bullheads, shorthorn sculpins, butterfish, eel-pout, pipefish, flounder and lesser sandeel. For other species of fish, such as cod, whiting and bib, the coastal zone is a nursery: it is a good place for the larva and juvenile fish to mature.
With this abundance of fish, the coastal zone is a laid table for fish-consuming birds, such as cormorants, divers, grebes, gulls and terns. Many of these species use the bordering dune areas to breed. Large numbers of common scoters (more than 100,000) and eiders also stay in this area.
In the late winter and early spring, many porpoises are observed in the coastal zone. The coastal zone is also important as hunting grounds and migration routes for harbour and grey seals. - Paradise for those looking for peace and quiet
- beachcombing at sunset, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Finally, the coastal zone in its present unbuilt form is of great importance for all those people who desire an open and peaceful landscape where they directly experience the influence of weather and wind. Many people enjoy looking for animals, plants and washed-uup objects here. There are many places along the coast that are very dark at night, making it one of the last areas where you can observe the starry heavens in all their glory.
