Analysis of the evolution of estuarine ecotopes in the Sea Scheldt and tidal tributaries (aMT)

This monitoring project is being carried out on behalf of the Maritime Access Section of the Department of Mobility and Public Works, and supports the Habitats Diversity Section of the MONEOS programme. This programme is coordinated by the Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Commission. Our study mainly covers the Sea Scheldt, Rupel, Durme and tidal tributaries (Nete, Dijle, Zenne). The project consists of several subsidiary assignments:
1. Measuring and describing developments along elevation transects and of the salt marsh edge with an RTK GPS;
2. Drawing up geomorphological maps on the basis of false colour images (FCIR) or orthophoto images;
3. Drawing up physiotopes where topo-bathymetric and tidal data are available.
4. Drawing up ecotope maps where physiotopes and a geomorphological map are available;
The availability of elevation data from the mudflats and salt marshes (LIDAR data) and wetlands (MULTIBEAM data) and of tidal data has been agreed in the VNSC. Overall, this means every year for the Sea Scheldt downstream of the mouth of the Rupel, every three years for the Sea Scheldt, Durme and Rupel and every six years for the tidal tributaries (Netes, Dijle and Zenne). Based on these topographical and geographical datasets with additional historical mapping material and data on fauna and flora, research is taking place into the evolution of the ecotopes in the long, medium and short term.