Research into the necessity of expansion

By the end of 2010, it is expected that seven Natura 2000 sites will have been designated in the North Sea. It is not yet known whether this will be sufficient for the Netherlands to satisfy all its obligations under Natura 2000, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the OSPAR treaty. The OSPAR treaty concerns the protection of the marine environment in the north-eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality has informed the Lower House that she is investigating whether in addition to the current seven sites mentioned on this website yet more sites in the North Sea should be protected under the Birds Directive, the Habitat Directive and/or the Marine Strategy Framework Directive,

IMARES Wageningen has already started this study and will complete it during 2012. The IMARES research is focusing on the North Sea sites of Borkum Reef Ground, Brown Bank, Gas Seeps and Zeeuwse Banks. In addition, it will also be ascertained whether other sites in the North Sea qualify for protected status. This will involve applying criteria, not as yet developed, for achieving a ‘good environmental status' under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Interim results will be posted on this website as soon as they become available, as well as on the general LNV website. In 2012 at the latest, the Minister will inform the Lower House which further North Sea sites, if any, require protection.