Nature reserves and rare species – the sensitive port environment

Unspoilt nature, sanctuaries for threatened species, and the Wadden Sea National Park of Lower Saxony – the two-city state of Bremen and its ports is surrounded by such valuable ecological areas. Immediately outside the city of Bremerhaven, the landscape is dominated by the important brackish water habitats and sensitive salt marshes, mudflats and sandbanks that make up the Wadden Sea National Park of Lower Saxony, where stringent environmental laws are in force. These areas have been classified as flora-fauna habitats (FFH) by the European Union, imposing even stricter standards on nature conservation.

The sensitive eco-landscape inside the National Park is strictly protected. Moreover, many parts of the Weser have been declared an EU protective zone for anadromous fish. Although critics complain that the special protection areas for birds and FFH sites along further stretches of the river between Bremerhaven and Bremen restrict the scope for economic development of the maritime artery which is the lifeblood of Bremen's economy, the high legal obstacles can be overcome if there are well-founded arguments for doing so.

Wherever water and port construction projects affect or even destroy protected habitats, equivalent natural areas have to be created. The standards required for professional and effective compensation are high. The compensation measures planned and monitored by bremenports – for instance on Luneplate in the south of Bremerhaven – satisfy the expectations of the ecologists and are also appreciated by nature conservation associations.

Sometimes it is difficult to resolve the conflict between economic and ecological interests. Nevertheless, bremenports endeavours to find a good balance between utilisation of the sites and environment protection. Ideally, the actors join forces to find mutually acceptable solutions.