A special technical installation on the jetty of Zierikzee makes it possible for people to hear the porpoises in the Oosterschelde. The porpoise sounds are captured using a hydrophone, which is attached to a buoy in front of the coast, ANP reports.

"With the push of a button the visitor hears the sounds the aimals emit." initiator Frank Zanderink of Stichting Rugvin said. The porpoise is the smallest species of cetaceans found in the Netherlands.

Zeeland mussels will be available everywhere from next week. This was announced after the successful testing of some samples in Oosterschelde and the Wadden Sea, NU reports.

The waters off the Dutch coast are home to a new species that has never before been sighted alive in in these waters. The Sea Spider, scientific name Endeis spinosa, was discovered on the seabed of Oosterschelde by divers in August, officially placing it on the indigenous marine fauna list, natuurbericht.nl reports.

Elevated sand shoals in the Oosterschelde are disappearing underwater. That is particularly a threat to migratory birds, which are resting and eating at these spots, says Natuurmonumenten. Seals also make use of them to suckle their young.

Cause of the problem is the storm surge barrier in the Oosterschelde (Oosterscheldekering). The coastal defense work is intended to preserve the ecosystem in the estuary, but the incoming water appears strong enough to remove sand from the shoals and mudflats but has insufficient power to deposit sand again.