Kustbroedvogels: teruggedrongen dynamiek en toegenomen verstoring

In Flanders as well as in Europe in general, a lot of natural coastal areas have disappeared or continue to be severely disturbed due to human activities. Urbanisation, harbour expansion, industrial development and coastal defence caused fixation of dynamic coastal systems. Beach recreation is an increasing source of disturbance. As a consequence, a lot of characteristic breeding birds have suffered a decline in numbers or have disappeared. Eleven of these species are included in the Flemish red list of breeding birds. The situation is critical for pied avocet [Recurvorostra avosetta], common ringed plover [Charadrius hiaticula], Kentish plover [C. alexandrinus], common tern [Sterna hirundo], Arctic tern [S. Paradisaea], little tern [S. Albifrons and sandwich tern [S. Sandvicensis]. Mediterranean gull [Larus melanocephalus], mew gull [L. Canus], herring gull [L. Argentatus] and lesser black-backed gull [L. graellsii] are less susceptible. The construction and management of specific breeding areas such as the 'Baai van Heist' and the 'Sternenschiereiland' in the outer harbour of Zeebrugge are crucial for the survival of some of these species in Flanders.