The restoration of estuarine Habitats in the Westerschelde

The Mars project (Marsh Amelioration along the River Schelde) is an initiative of governmental organizations of the Netherlands and Flanders, to preserve and manage an important ecosystem. In Flanders three field sites are selected, in the Netherlands two. The project is divided in two phases between 1995 and 2000. In this document the project planning of the first phase (1995& 1996), in the Netherlands is explained. The project consists of the preparation, application and evaluation of several measures to protect or restore marshes along the river Schelde. Instead of the application of rock filled dams, a more natural way to protect marshes and swallows is being studied. The results of former experiments (including test-stands) with shore line protection with regard to the ecosystem will be integrated in future management measures. The objectives of these highly innovative management measures with a demonstrative value are: 1. Reduction of marsh erosion. 2. Restoration of degraded marsh areas. 3. Creating new marshes on inland sites bordering the estuary as a compensation for reclaimed sites. The Dutch part will be concentrated on three topics: 1. The field site experiment at the "Slufter bij Kaloot". 2. The "navigation channel protection". 3. "Site specific monitoring".