North Sea functions around 2000
Functions of the Netherlands Continental Shelf
The Netherlands Continental Shelf is the Dutch section of the North Sea. It is used for various functions.
- Shipping has traditionally been an important function. This includes freight and passenger transport, fishing and recreational boating. This last category consists mainly of sailing, sport fishing and, increasingly, sport diving. Sport fishing and diving are mostly practised near the many shipwrecks, which also form a structural element on the seabed. Traffic separation systems are in place to keep the busy off-shore traffic flowing smoothly.
- There are regulations for fishing regarding the gear to be used, the allowable length of season and catch quotas. Most of these regulations have been enacted in an international context (such as the EU), and are adjusted annually.
- The Netherlands Continental Shelf is home to oil and gas extraction activities with about 130 production platforms. One result is that pipelines must be laid for the oil and gas that are extracted. Along with the undersea telecommunications cables, the oil and gas pipelines form a network on the seabed. They can be obstacles, particularly for fishing vessels using drag gear.
- Like fishing, the mining of surface minerals (sand, shells, gravel) is also regulated. Approximately 25 million m3 of sand is extracted annually.
- Dredging sludge deposit areas are specifically designated by the government. The sludge to be deposited must meet certain quality requirements, and these sites are also monitored, along with their immediate surroundings.
- Military training grounds also require space, mainly for reasons of safety, pollution by munitions which have landed in the sea, and possible noise nuisance.
- New functions such as the construction of wind farms, transmitter towers and coastal expansion also require space. Spatial planning policy for the future must keep this in mind.
Threats and risks
The greatest threats to the natural ecosystem are trawling, shipping and over-supply of nutrients in the coastal zone. Fishing poses the greatest threat due to its influence on seabed fauna, fish and birds. The coastal area is particularly vulnerable: this area houses a multiplicity of functions, resulting in an accumulation of environmental pressures and associated additional negative environmental impact.
Policy
The Vijfde Nota Ruimtelijke Ordening (Fifth Policy Memorandum on Spatial Planning) (VROM, 2001) describes spatial planning policy for the Dutch section of the North Sea. One of the memorandum's stated policy goals is that 'economic functions will make room for the natural system in a sound and sustainable way, in order to preserve and maintain it'.
Existing regulations, such as those made in the framework of the Rijn actieplan (Rhine Action Plan) and Noordzee actieplan (North Sea Action Plan), and international agreements such as those made at the OSPAR Convention, are primarily aimed at limiting the flow of contaminating substances into the North Sea, at promoting shipping and mining safety, and reducing over-fishing.
In addition, parts of the NCP are covered by the National Ecological Network of protected areas and the Bird and Habitat Directives of the EU. The aim of both is to protect and preserve animals and their habitats. To achieve this, restrictions are imposed on the use of the North Sea.
References
- Bisseling, C.M. (ed.), C.J.F.M. van Dam et al. (2001). Met de natuur in zee. Rapportage ecosysteemdoelen Noordzee, kennisfase. Expertisecentrum LNV, Wageningen.
- VROM (2001). Vijfde Nota Ruimtelijke Ordening; ruimte maken, ruimte delen. Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, The Hague.
