Division Eider duck

The eider duck is principally a winter visitor in the Voordelta, but smaller groups are also present throughout the summer. Eider ducks can always be found in shallow, sheltered areas of Hinderplaat and Bollen van de Ooster. Numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on annual variations in the availability of shellfish in the area. Eider duck population levels in the Voordelta are under pressure due to reduced supplies of food resulting from commercial shellfish harvesting and the nuisance caused by increasing recreational pressure. Although the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2 will have no significant impact on this species, the measures are in fact crucial given the very poor state of conservation throughout the country. For this reason access to the area directly to the east of Hinderplaat is to be restricted to ensure that populations can remain in the Voordelta.