Analysis of the development and evolution of salt marsh vegetation in the Sea Scheldt and tidal tributaries (De Vlaamse Waterweg nv)

This research is part of the MONEOS programme of the VNSC (Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Commission). Salt marsh vegetation is a required biological quality element in the assessment of the ecological status of transitional waters for the Water Framework Directive. For the European Habitats Directive too, it helps determine the local conservation status (LCS), as a habitat type and as an actual habitat for species. The spatial distribution, quality and development of the salt marsh vegetation in the Scheldt and its tidal tributaries are monitored. For this purpose, repeated area-wide vegetation maps and vegetation surveys are carried out. Examining which environmental variables determine the variation in the vegetation (topography, hydrology, soil and management) and how these change should make it possible to explain changes in the vegetation.