TMAP Mosselbanken (WOT-04-009-035.01)

Intertidal mussel beds are an important part of the Wadden Sea ecosystem. They filter the water, provide a suitable habitat for other benthic species and form an important food source for birds. Within Natura 2000, intertidal mussel beds are considered as an characteristic component, and form a necessary quality feature for a good structure and functioning of the habitat type 1140 (tidal flats).

 

Characteristics and development of stable mussel beds play a major role within these frameworks. Therefore, it is important to have a clear picture of the stability and the characteristics of the mussel bed that determine stability. In addition, there have been developments in recent decades that could influence the natural development of mussel beds, such as the introduction of the Pacific oyster, subsidence due to gas extraction and rising sea levels. It is not yet known if and how these new developments, affect the stability of mussel beds. The aim of the project is to obtain detailed information on the condition, development and stability of a number of selected mussel beds in the Wadden Sea.