Our common tern in IJsselmeer : relation between common tern, smelt and transparency in the IJsselmeer area

This study focuses on the ANT species common tern. The population of this bird increased enormously after the creation of nature island the Kreupel. In 2009 and later years breeding success became poor. It is believed that the stock of 1+ smelt, an important fish for the common tern and their young, was too low for the common tern to feed their young. Smelt is the key species in the ecosystem of the IJsselmeer and the relation of common tern with smelt is very important for a successful breeding success.