Dutch Nature Improves, Lags Goals

Why this is here: Fifteen of sixteen fish species tracked in the Waddenzee are currently in poor condition, indicating significant strain on that ecosystem.

Researchers at Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, Netherlands, report biodiversity is recovering but too slowly. They released findings showing ecological decline in the Waddenzee and Caribbean Netherlands. In the Waddenzee, fifteen of sixteen tracked fish species show poor health, with only butterfish thriving.

The report details worsening conditions in the Caribbean Netherlands, where seven of ten species and six of ten habitats are in poor condition. Coral reefs continue to decline due to invasive species, goats, pollution, and tourism. Naturalis created a biodiversity dashboard showing seven of fourteen environmental goals are currently unattainable.

Surface water quality improved from 3% to 15% between 2009 and today, but the Netherlands will likely miss European requirements for good water quality by next year. The dashboard also shows five goals require more effort, and two remain unresolved. Researchers will continue monitoring these trends.