€30 million for ecology Lauwersmeer dike and priorities for water heritage

Ecological benefits of dyke reinforcement

Last year, work began on reinforcing the Lauwersmeer dike. Credit was already granted at that time for two of the five potential link-up opportunities: the construction of the^second access road to the port in Lauwersoog and major maintenance work on the western harbor dam. Now, the water board, as the client, has granted a loan of more than €30 million for three ecological projects along the dyke reinforcement route. The aim of these three projects is to increase the ecological value along this part of the Wadden Sea coast and the hinterland and to soften the harsh transition between fresh and salt water.
This amount is being financed entirely by important partners such as the Wadden Fund (more than €13 million), the Large Waterways Program of the Ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (€16 million), the province of Groningen (more than €3 million), and the Tennet compensation fund (€500,000). The projects are as follows:

Natural transition between mudflats and dike

At the tip of the rural section of the Lauwersmeer dike, artificial reefs and tidal pools are being used to create a natural and gradual transition between the mudflats and the dike. This will create more suitable habitats for shellfish and mollusks. Fish and birds will also benefit from a more nutrient-rich area. 

Expansion of the salt marsh at Westpolder

To the east of the Lauwersmeer dike near the Westpolder, wooden dams are being constructed. Over time, this will create a diverse area with differences in elevation due to silting and erosion. The new salt marsh that is created in this way will also ensure a smoother transition from the mudflats to the dike. Together with the natural transition and the Marnewaard tidal area, this will give fish a larger area in which to shelter and grow.
In the long term, this zone will contribute to safety during high water: the new salt marsh area will have a restraining effect before high water reaches the sea dike.

Marnewaard tidal area

A brackish water environment is being created behind the Lauwersmeer dike. This will increase biodiversity and improve water quality. A tidal culvert is being constructed in the dike. This culvert will allow seawater to flow in and out of the brackish water area in a controlled manner and within specified limits. 

Planning and initial steps

The work will start with the construction of the tidal culvert and the tidal area. The salt marsh development will follow later this year. The natural transition will take place in 2025. 
The launch ceremony for these linked projects will take place on June 3. This will be followed on June 8 by an open day for the public, during which visitors will be able to take a tour of the dyke reinforcement works. The locations of these ecological benefits will also be visited during the tour.

Priorities in tackling water heritage

The general board has approved the 'Water Heritage' program. This program specifies which cultural-historical objects will be invested in over the coming years. The water board is doing this because water management has played an important role in the history and development of the landscape. This heritage contributes to the story of the water board. That is why the water board is working to ensure that cultural-historical objects remain accessible.
The priorities for the coming years are mainly monuments that still have a function, often national monuments: the maintenance of the roof of the De Waterwolf pumping station (already decided separately last year), the roof of the Schaphalsterzijl warehouse and sanitary facilities in the Schouwerzijl warehouse, and a number of old locks at Veenhuizen. In 2026 and 2027, the remaining work on the Schaphalsterzijl and Aduarderzijl warehouses will follow. Then it will be the turn of the lock at Noordpolderzijl. The general board has reserved €5.5 million for this work until 2030.