Division Common scoter

The common scoter is a migrant bird that visits the Voordelta in the winter months. This species can principally be found in coastal regions to the south-east of Bollen van de Ooster and in and around Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand. In the summer months, smaller numbers of common scoter remain in the Voordelta using it as a moulting area.

Common scoters feed on shellfish that they find in shallow coastal waters that will partially be lost due to the construction of Maasvlakte 2. Measures restricting access to coastal areas at Bollen van de Ooster (and Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand) are designed to safeguard adequate levels of and access to food supplies as compensation for the potential loss of this species' foraging area around Maasvlakte 2.

Wildlife is particularly sensitive to disturbance and nuisance caused by recreational water users and shipping traffic. By guaranteeing peace and quiet throughout the winter months in areas where these species forage and rest in large numbers, it is hoped that favourable conditions for the common scoter can be maintained throughout the whole of the Voordelta equivalent to those prior to the construction of Maasvlakte 2. During the summer months, a shorter summer resting period suffices.