12 Managing the Ecology and Economy of Modified Estuaries
139
enabled a series of breakthroughs in these conflicts. Future decisions on infrastructure
will probably also rely heavily on new technology.
In the first stage (reactive management), coastal defence technology was developed
to build sea walls in tidal areas, by using caissons and air transport to close off inlets.
The innovation consisted mainly of the introduction of new techniques; there was no
conflict of any importance. The public call for an open Oosterschelde resulted in a
compromise between safety and other objectives (integrated management), with priority being given in the following order 1) environmental protection, 2) protection of
the shellfish industry and 3) recreational functions. The compromise was a storm-surge
barrier; the new technology required was a major challenge for coastal engineers and
constructors. Management also had to be revamped, as other disciplines, socio-economic functions and public opinion became involved.
The public debate on the Delta region clJIrently focuses on the more sustainable
management of estuarine and enclosed systems. Although there is still much controversy, support is growing for the idea of habitat restoration and reintroduction of functional properties of estuarine systems, resulting in more resilient systems. Public involvement has increased and is now part of the decision making process. This type of
approach requires adaptive management. The technology required for this type of
management has not yet been determined. However, technological innovations can be
expected to be inspired by the natural characteristics of the ecosystems in which the
infrastructural measures are required.
Adaptive management can be characterized by (Fig. 12.4):
• The integration of various socio-economic and ecological functions, often identified by interest groups
• A homeostatic approach: exploiting self-regulation and self-organization - not only
of ecosystems (see 4), but also of the socio-economic system. This requires the involvement of locals and of the general public in the process of deciding about future
infrastructure
• The interaction between politics and management is based on efficiency and devolved responsibility: the approach is business-like
• A resilient approach: technological innovation with respect to infrastructure should
exploit natural processes and resources
12.S
Conclusions
The Delta project resulted in the isolation of water systems and loss of estuarine gradients but also brought about changes in the socio-economic functions of the water systems: recreational use and nature conservation became dominant over agriculture.
Continuous intensive care is required to maintain the newly created water systems. The
current solution is an adaptive strategy for estuarine management which is based on
the dynamic properties of estuarine systems. The key issue should be maintaining the
connectivity between the upper reaches of rivers, their estuaries and the sea.
Acknowledgments. The authors are grateful to 1. Bijlsma and I. de Vries for stimulating
discussions and to J. Burrough-Boenisch for improving the English text.
139
enabled a series of breakthroughs in these conflicts. Future decisions on infrastructure
will probably also rely heavily on new technology.
In the first stage (reactive management), coastal defence technology was developed
to build sea walls in tidal areas, by using caissons and air transport to close off inlets.
The innovation consisted mainly of the introduction of new techniques; there was no
conflict of any importance. The public call for an open Oosterschelde resulted in a
compromise between safety and other objectives (integrated management), with priority being given in the following order 1) environmental protection, 2) protection of
the shellfish industry and 3) recreational functions. The compromise was a storm-surge
barrier; the new technology required was a major challenge for coastal engineers and
constructors. Management also had to be revamped, as other disciplines, socio-economic functions and public opinion became involved.
The public debate on the Delta region clJIrently focuses on the more sustainable
management of estuarine and enclosed systems. Although there is still much controversy, support is growing for the idea of habitat restoration and reintroduction of functional properties of estuarine systems, resulting in more resilient systems. Public involvement has increased and is now part of the decision making process. This type of
approach requires adaptive management. The technology required for this type of
management has not yet been determined. However, technological innovations can be
expected to be inspired by the natural characteristics of the ecosystems in which the
infrastructural measures are required.
Adaptive management can be characterized by (Fig. 12.4):
• The integration of various socio-economic and ecological functions, often identified by interest groups
• A homeostatic approach: exploiting self-regulation and self-organization - not only
of ecosystems (see 4), but also of the socio-economic system. This requires the involvement of locals and of the general public in the process of deciding about future
infrastructure
• The interaction between politics and management is based on efficiency and devolved responsibility: the approach is business-like
• A resilient approach: technological innovation with respect to infrastructure should
exploit natural processes and resources
12.S
Conclusions
The Delta project resulted in the isolation of water systems and loss of estuarine gradients but also brought about changes in the socio-economic functions of the water systems: recreational use and nature conservation became dominant over agriculture.
Continuous intensive care is required to maintain the newly created water systems. The
current solution is an adaptive strategy for estuarine management which is based on
the dynamic properties of estuarine systems. The key issue should be maintaining the
connectivity between the upper reaches of rivers, their estuaries and the sea.
Acknowledgments. The authors are grateful to 1. Bijlsma and I. de Vries for stimulating
discussions and to J. Burrough-Boenisch for improving the English text.