An ecotope map of the trilateral Wadden Sea

Researchers have identified four distinct types of tidal basins within the trilateral Wadden Sea, characterized by unique proportions of ecotopes—discrete physical environment classes. Using a digital ecotope map based on bathymetry, salinity, flow velocity, and other environmental factors, the study clustered 39 tidal basins into categories defined by low-dynamic low-littoral, high-dynamic sublittoral, or mid-littoral ecotopes. This clustering provides a framework for comparative ecological studies across the Wadden Sea, offering insights for conservation and policy efforts. The map, covering the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, serves as a valuable tool for integrated environmental research.

Baptist, M. J., van der Wal, J. T., Folmer, E. O., Gräwe, U., & Elschot, K. (2019). An ecotope map of the trilateral Wadden Sea. Journal of Sea Research, 152, 101761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2019.05.003