WRITTEN QUESTION E-2944/96 by Nel van Dijk (V) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Wunseradiel plans threaten the feeding grounds of protected birds

In its answer to Written Question 1186/96 ((OJ C 356, 25.11.1996, p. 14. )) the Commission states that the Makkumer Noordwaard is considered an important habitat for birds. It is it of particular importance for the Black Tern (Chelidonias niger)

and the Scaup (Aythya marila) which are protected under Directive 79/409/EEC ((OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. )). According to the Dutch Minister for Agriculture, Conservancy and Fisheries, Mr van Aartsen, the Noordwaard is also a resting place and feeding ground for spoonbills. He intends to register the Noordwaard as a special protection area under the framework of the Wetlands Convention (Leeuwarder Courant, 23 May 1996). Other species of bird which are included in Annex I of Directive 79/409/EEC such as the hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) also occur in this area.

The expansion plans for Wunseradiel now threaten this natural area. With regard to these plans, the Wunseradial commune is proposing to move the break in the dike which will mean that the channel will be exactly along the edge of the Noordwaard nature reserve. This channel will have to be deepened and widened to achieve the level of shipping desired by the commune.

1. Does the Commission share my view that intensive shipping in the Sotummer channel will lead to damage to the feeding areas and biotope of the birds referred to above?

2. Does it share my view that moving the opening in the dike and the channel is inadequate to preserve the feeding grounds and biotope of these birds?

3. Does it share my view that the fact that the feeding grounds and the biotope are partly outside the limits of the Makkumer Noordwaard nature reserve does not conflict with the protection they should enjoy, given that Article 3(2)b of Directive 79/409/EEC applies?

4. Does the Commission consider it acceptable that the plans of the Wunseradiel commune threaten to harm an area which received financial support amounting to ECU 55 588 from 1986 to 1989 in the framework of the Community actions for the environment?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (29 November 1996)

As a consequence of the Honourable Member's written question E-1186/96 ((OJ C 356, 25.11.1996. )) on the subject of endangered spoonbills (platalea leucorodia) in Wünseradiel, the Commission has asked the Dutch authorities for information about the intended project (Makkum-Noord plan) by the municipality of Wünseradiel, which includes a break in the IJsselmeer dyke and the digging of a channel in the nature area 'the Makkumer Noordwaard'.

The Commission has recently received an answer from the Dutch authorities, who state that until now no definite decision has been taken concerning the Makkum-Noord plan. If the municipality of Wünseradiel decides to continue preparations for the plan, it will have to draw up an official development plan for the area. They also state that it is possible that an environmental impact assessment may be necessary, as well as a licence, based on the Nature protection act.

1. As far as the two species mentioned - chlidonias niger (black tern) and aythya marila (scaup) - are concerned, the Commission ascertained, by using the 'Atlas van de Nederlandse vogels' as an important source, that the scaup is mostly a wintering bird in the IJsselmeer area and the black tern as well as the scaup is using large parts of practically the whole IJsselmeer as a feeding area. There is no information or indication to show that either species will be significantly disturbed as a consequence of a more intensive use by ships of this channel.

2. The Commission, however, is not aware of plans, as mentioned in this written question, to move up the break in the dyke and to deepen and widen the channel. It will ask the Dutch authorities for new information on this. It will also enquire if there will be an environmental impact assessment.

3. - 4. As far as the Commission has information about the case, the actions concerned are in the neighbourhood of important bird areas, but it is not clear if there are any significant effects on the areas. However, the Commission will further investigate the factual basis of the question, by a second letter, as indicated.