The Joint Declaration on the Protection of the Wadden Sea and the QSR 2009: Sources for trilateral research questions

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1 The Joint Declaration on the Protection of the Wadden Sea and the QSR 2009: Sources for trilateral research questions Dr. Harald Marencic Common Wadden Sea Secretariat Wilhelmshaven, Germany

2 The Wadden Sea

3 The Wadden Sea Denmark: National Park Conservation Area 11,000 km² Germany: Federal Nature Protection Law, National Park Laws (3 Federal States) The Netherlands: Nature Protection Act, Planning Decree Wadden Sea

4 The Wadden Sea Largest coherent tidal flat barrier island system in the world Outstanding example of Holocene development Ecological processes Biodiversity

5 Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation Guiding principle: to achieve, as far as possible, a natural and sustainable ecosystem in which natural processes proceed in an undisturbed way. Trilateral Cooperation Area 1982/2010 Joint Declaration on the Protection of the Wadden Sea 14,700 km² 1987 Common Wadden Sea Secretariat 1993 Monitoring Programme TMAP 1997/2010 Wadden Sea Plan 2009 UNESCO World Heritage Site

6 2010 Joint Declaration Vision The Wadden Sea is a unique, natural and dynamic ecosystem with characteristic biodiversity, vast open landscapes and rich cultural heritage, enjoyed by all, and delivering benefits in a sustainable way to present and future generations. Objectives of the Cooperation 1. A natural ecosystem, its function and characteristic biodiversity 2. Adaptability to climate change and other impacts 3. Maintenance of the landscape and cultural heritage 4. Sustainable use as defined by the CBD 5. Public support for the protection of the Wadden Sea Areas of Cooperation Common plans and policies / coordinated management / ICZM / sustainable development / research and monitoring / CEPA / stakeholder participation / international cooperation

7 Trilateral Monitoring Program Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Program (TMAP) Aim of the TMAP: To provide a scientific assessment of the status of the ecosystem To assess the status of implementation of the trilateral Targets of the Wadden Sea Plan Quality Status Report 2009 Recommendations on research, monitoring, management and policy

8 Wadden Sea Monitoring 1988 Sylt: Scientific Wadden Sea Symposium on Monitoring Harmonized Program (QA, intercalibration) Date processing, storage and exchange Sites with long-term ecosystem research Inclusion of historical data sets Scientific reference areas Remote sensing Global research network

9 TMAP Concept 1993 Monitoring Concomitant Research Observation of changes in pre-defined spatial-temporal scales. Cause of changes Specific hypotheses Optimizing the monitoring Data Handling Compilation, long-term storage, re-use, exchange Reporting Quality Status Reports and Target Assessments Recommendations for Research, Monitoring and Management Policy Assessment Trilateral Ministerial Conferences (every 3-4 years)

10 TMAP Parameters Common Package of TMAP Parameters Chemical Parameters Nutrients Metals and contaminants in sediment TBT in sediment Contaminants in blue mussels, flounders and bird eggs Habitat Parameters Blue mussel beds Salt marshes Beaches and Dunes Biological Parameters Human Use Parameters Phytoplankton Macroalgae Eelgrass Macrozoobenthos Fish Breeding birds Breeding Success Birds Migratory birds Beached Bird Surveys Harbour seals Grey Seals Harbor Porpoise Mussel/cockle/shrimp fishery Recreational activities Agricultural utilization Coastal Protection measures General Parameters Geomorphology Flooding Land use Weather conditions Common TMAP Database and GIS

11 Quality Status Report number of pages year Input to the Trilateral Governmental Conference on Sylt, March 2010

12 The Wadden Sea Region The Wadden Sea is an area where people live, work and recreate. About 75,000 inhabitants in the Wadden Sea Area (on the islands). About 3.7 million inhabitants on the mainland in the Wadden Sea Region

13 Social and Economic Development Harbours Hamburg: 149 mill. tons/y Bremerhaven: 74 mill. tons/y Wilhelmshaven: 40 mill. tons/y Others (Den Helder, Harlingen, Delfzijl/Eeemshaven, Emden, Brake, Brunsbüttel, Esbjerg): 24 mill. tons/y Fishery About 500 ships with 1300 employees, high local economic relevance; Landings: 160,000 tons, 110 Mill. Euro Agriculture 44,500 farms 1,800 ha agricultural land in use 55,000 employees Sources: Wadden Sea Forum 2004, QSR 2004 & 2009

14 The Wadden Sea Region Tourism in the Wadden Sea Region 10 million tourists per year About 70 million overnight stays million day trippers every year Turnover per year: Billion Euro Sources: Gätje et al, 2004, Wollesen & Brandt 2009

15 Tourism in the Wadden Sea: Tidal flat walking Lower Saxony Persons at boats Hikers at the beach Individual hikers Hikers in groups Hikers in groups Individual hikers Hikers at the beach Persons at boats Aerial counts in summer in the Wadden Sea of Lower Saxony at selected sites (hot spots) in the period (sum of 5 flights, respectively), (Source: National Park Administration 2008, QSR 2009).

16 Tourism in the Wadden Sea: Tidal flat walking Schleswig-Holstein Number of participants (blue) and of guided tours (red) in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea region for the period (Source: National Park Administration 2008, QSR 2009). 2007

17 Tourism in the Wadden Sea: Tidal flat walking The Netherlands Tyb B excursions Typ A excursions Excursions for environmental education Participants in guided tours in the Dutch Wadden Sea (data of 2005 incomplete (Source: Dutch Provinces 2008, QSR 2009).

18 Tourism in the Wadden Sea: Boats at sea The Netherlands Number of sluice passages of recreational boats in Dutch harbors connecting to the Wadden Sea, period (Source: Interwad/WaddenInzicht, QSR 2009)

19 Tourism in the Wadden Sea Lower Saxony Visitors East Frisian Mainland Gästezahlen Ostfriesische Inseln Gästezahlen Ostfriesische Küste Visitors East Frisian Islands Source: National Park Administration, Lower Saxony

20 Research Questions Socio-Economy Research in scientific tools 1) to assess the impacts of human uses on natural values including socio-economic aspects (e.g. fisheries, deepening of shipping lanes, tourism and recreational activities) and 2) to enhance sustainability of human economic use. Example Tourism Development of a multi-dimensional market research instrument to monitor: 1) demand, changes in utilization behaviour, and 2) their impacts on nature and the environment (need of new technologies to analyze tourism behaviour in time and space) World Heritage: Development of a consistent and sustainable tourism strategy. Research on the socio-economic system (potentials for regional development) and on linking of tourism and nature conservation. Source: Wolff et al., 2010

21 Research Questions Climate Change Understanding the functioning of the Wadden Sea morpho-hydro-ecosystem as a composite, including positive and negative feedback mechanisms, to develop prognostic models and to construct reliable future scenarios: 1) Identification of abiotic key-processes and key factors which dominate the hydro-morphological development, 2) Monitoring marine organisms to species level, including their larval and postlarval stages (early warning system approach), e.g. effects on recruitment processes. 3) Research on impact of climate change on cultural, social and economic values in the Wadden Sea Regions. Strategic research topics 1) to extend our coastal monitoring efforts; 2) to extend our knowledge on sensitivities and adaptation capabilities of key species in the marine environment; and 3) to develop fit-for-purpose models to manage our marine environment. Source QSR Oost et al., Phillipart & Epping

22 Geomorphology/Habitats Salt Marshes Whole area Dunes and 5 7 years Beaches Aerial photographs ground truth Vegetation types, grazing, drainage Trilateral harmonized GIS data Pioneer salt marsh Low salt marsh High salt marsh Green beach, sandy pioneer Brackish marsh Fresh (anthropogenic) grassland

23 Research Questions Geomorphology/Habitats Geomorphological island concept Study in the significance of the new geomorphological concept for the northern part of the Wadden Sea. - Integrated analysis of TMAP vegetation maps (salt marshes, dunes) and geomorphlogical data Salt marshes: - Study of the possible interrelationship between rate of sedimentation, management, grazing and vegetation development (climax vegetation). Dunes Ecological studies of indicative species (fauna) and on the structure and functioning of food webs to identify key factors for nature management Subtidal habitats Research in the ecology of subtidal habitats (from shallow subtidal to adjacent offshore area) Estuaries Integrated analysis of the existing ecological data for estuaries Source QSR 2009.

24 Quality Status Report Nutrients Total N Total P Classification of the Wadden Sea into Non-Problem, Potential Problem and Problem areas based on autumn concentrations of NH4+NO2 (µm) (van Beusekom et al., 2001) Source QSR Beusekom et al..

25 Quality Status Report Chlorophyll NORTH SEA Chlorophyll a (µg/l) 54.5 Latitude ( N) Regional differences. Distribution patterns of autumn NH4+NO2 and summer chlorophyll are similar both proxies are strongly correlated and identify the the same eutrophication hotspots and low eutrophication regions as summer chlorophyll Weser Elbe Ems Rhine / Meuse Longitude ( E) Source: Beusekom et al., 2009 (QSR 2009)

26 Research Questions Nutrients / Pollutants Nutrients / Eutrophication Research in reasons for regional differences within the Wadden Sea: level of eutrophication (chlorophyll, organic matter) and nutrient limitation patterns, and their effects on the coastal ecosystem Extension of monitoring to the entire seasonal cycle and sufficient spatial coverage. Chemical pollutions Ecotoxicological research into combined effects of ever more complex chemical mixtures. Early warning approach (e.g. TMAP contaminants in bird eggs) Source QSR Beusekom et al.. Bakker et al., Becker et al,

27 Quality Status Report Benthos Macrozoobenthos - Biomass There are some regional trends. The clear and significant increase of total biomass in Balgzand during winter/early spring can not be extrapolated to other areas At monitoring sites in the Netherlands total summer biomass is declining while winter biomass continuous to increase or remains Stable (effects of de-trophication?) Source: Drent et al. QSR 2009 Stacked bar graphs of late winter/early spring biomass per monitoring area. Biomass is specified for the eight most common species in terms of biomass plus rest, in addition invasive species Ensis americanus and Marenzelleria viridis are shown.

28 Quality Status Report Benthos Macrozoobenthos - Abundance Few clear trends in abundance similar for all sites: M. baltica, S. armiger and recently also H. filiformis are declining. N. succinea and U. poseidonis are the species with strongest increase. The development of H. filiformis may be reflecting the eutrophication status of the Wadden Sea. Source: Drent et al. QSR 2009

29 Quality Status Report Mussel Blue mussel and Pacific oyster beds Co-existence in mixed beds? The Netherlands Schleswig-Holstein Mytilus edulis bank area [ha] bank area (ha) Denmark Mytilus edulis Crassostrea gigas bank area [ha] biomass [t] bank area [ha] bank area [ha] Crassostrea gigas 1200 Mytilus edulis 400 bank area [ha] Niedersachsen biomass [t] Crassostrea gigas biomass [t] biomass [t] Crassostrea gigas bank area [ha] Mytilus edulis bank area [ha] Source: Nehls et al. 2009

30 Quality Status Report Aliens The number of alien species in the Wadden Sea continues to increase. An important new addition to the range of alien species since QSR 2004 is the American comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi. It is suspected to be able to cause major changes in marine ecosystems. The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas has continued its invasion of the Wadden Sea. The development of a trilateral alien management plan is recommended, Source: Nehring et al. 2009

31 Quality Status Report Fish Fish Monitoring stations Source: Jager et al. 2009

32 Quality Status Report 2009 Fish - Species analysed Source: Jager et al. 2009

33 Quality Status Report 2009 Fish Trends in abundance An overall increase was shown in the smelt, flounder, herring and sprat. Trends in abundance of flounder (Platichthys flesus) by Wadden Sea sub-area (TrendSpotter analysis) of the DFS and DYFS (Bolle et al., 2009). The period in which the trend was significant is indicated. Source: Jager et al.

34 Quality Status Report 2009 Fish Trends in abundance An overall decrease was found in eelpout, plaice, sole, dab, cod and whiting. Trends in abundance of sole (Limanda limanda) by Wadden Sea sub-area (TrendSpotter analysis) of the DFS and DYFS (Bolle et al., 2009). The period in which the trend was significant is indicated. Source: Jager et al.

35 Research Questions Ecology Food web Better understanding between primary production and zoobenthos development Criteria based risk assessment for evaluating the ecological impacts of alien species in the Wadden Sea, Research on fish and crustacean fauna, also as important food source for seabirds Studies in habitat use and feeding ecology of marine mammals Connectivity Research in importance of the Wadden Sea for migratory species (fish, bird flyway) and exchange with the adjacent North Sea (resting and nursery area for marine mammals and fish). Source QSR 2009.

36 Main topics for a trilateral research agenda Interaction Integrated research in the interactive effects of regional changes: warming, sea level rise, proliferation of alien species, deeutrophication, bird trends, economic uses

37 Quality Status Report 2009 NORTH SEA Chlorophyll a (µg/l) 54.5 Latitude ( N) Regional differences. Distribution patterns of autumn NH4+NO2 and summer chlorophyll are similar both proxies are strongly correlated and identify the the same eutrophication hotspots and low eutrophication regions as summer chlorophyll Weser Elbe Ems Rhine / Meuse Longitude ( E) Source: Beusekom et al., 2009 (QSR 2009)

38 Quality Status Report 2009 Blue mussel beds In The Netherlands, intertidal mussel beds have recovered, but have not reached former levels. In contrary, mussel beds in Niedersachsen, SchleswigHolstein and Denmark decreased in the last decade; considerable spatfalls (1996/ 97) have lead to establishment of beds at a large scale, whereas the establishment of new beds occurred only locally after this. Uncertainties exist on the causes of recruitment failure (predation, climate change). Source: Nehls et al. 2009

39 Quality Status Report 2009 Recovery of seagrass Most of the seagrass occurs in the northern part. Few, generally smaller beds are found in the other areas (mainly Jadebusen and coast between Weser and Elbe). The large beds in the Ems estuary had almost vanished in Almost no seagrass is found in the western Dutch Wadden Sea. Source: Reise et al. 2009

40 Quality Status Report 2009 Knot 20-year trend Wadden Sea Denmark Niedersachsen Source: Laursen et al Countries SchleswigHolstein The Netherlands

41 Main topics for a trilateral research agenda Interaction Integrated research in the interactive effects of regional changes: warming, sea level rise, proliferation of alien species, deeutrophication, bird trends, economic uses, Interregional Research in reasons for regional differences within the Wadden Sea: level of eutrophication, nutrient limitation patterns, blue mussel distribution, seagrass, bird trends, and their effects on the coastal ecosystem

42 Global network Bird Flyway Cooperation Enhanced activities along the flyways with countries like Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Morocco, Spain and northern countries Cooperation with AEWA / Wetland International / Ramsar and others is wanted and needed Improvement of flyway monitoring to understand Wadden Sea situation Local capacity building and training Support of coordinated and simultaneous counts Support in developing further management strategies along the flyways

43 Global network Cooperation with Korea

44 Main topics for a trilateral research agenda Interaction Integrated research in the interactive effects of regional changes: warming, sea level rise, proliferation of alien species, deeutrophication, bird trends, economic uses Interregional Research in reasons for regional differences within the Wadden Sea: level of eutrophication, nutrient limitation patterns, bird trends, and their effects on the coastal ecosystem International Comparison of ecosystem functioning and changes

45 Main topics for a trilateral research agenda Interaction Integrated research in the interactive effects of regional changes: warming, sea level rise, proliferation of alien species, deeutrophication, bird trends, economic uses Interregional Research in reasons for regional differences within the Wadden Sea: level of eutrophication, nutrient limitation patterns, bird trends, and their effects on the coastal ecosystem International Comparison of ecosystem functioning and changes History Research in ecosystem development (years - decades centuries)

46 Wadden Sea World Heritage Perspectives for science Support of scientific research on an ecosystem scale and of transboundary cooperation - Better communication of science to public(s) and policy makers The Wadden Sea scientific community: world wide unique - a role model for other areas. Ecosystem changes, natural dynamics and integrity how to deal with it in a World Heritage Site.

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