Why do we do research?

Through research we try to get a better understanding of the factors that are important for the maintenance of a vital population in the Netherlands (and far beyond). Knowledge can contribute to better protection.

Research on the Wadden Sea islands has shown that the breeding success (the number of fledglings per breeding pair) of spoonbills decreases with increasing number of nests in a colony. In recent years, on average less than one young per nest survives until fledging. As there seems to be enough space to breed on the Wadden Sea islands, it seems that food is the limiting factor. There may not be enough young fish (especially flatfish) in the Wadden Sea. Spoonbills elsewhere, for example, sometimes raise 2 or 3 chicks per nest. This knowledge is an argument in the fight for the protection and maintenance of healthy fish stocks. Another example: a tagged spoonbill spent some time in the French Bassin d' Arcachon. We made the data available to the nature manager. As a result he discovered a completely new sleeping place for spoonbills in the area and can now better protect that place.