Fauna of the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea has a rich flora and fauna and high biological productivity. The sea plays a particularly important role in the conservation of animal populations in northwestern Europe. The sea coast is home to about 2,300 species of flora and fauna, as well as several migratory species that prefer this region because of the easy availability of food.

Common fish in the Wadden Sea

The young of almost the entire North Sea flatfish stock are hatched here. The Wadden Sea is also home to many other fish such as brown trout, Atlantic salmon and Batoidea. It is a spawning ground for marine fish such as herring and common sole.

Mammals of the Wadden Sea

Harbour porpoise are particularly abundant among the mammals. The well-being of the Central European population of harbour seals depends on the health of the Wadden Sea. The Wadden Sea is also a natural habitat for the grey seal, the North Atlantic whale and the Dall's porpoise.

Arthropods of the Wadden Sea

Crabs are traditionally harvested from the waters of the Wadden Sea.

The inhabitants of the bottom of the Wadden Sea

Molluscs and crayfish, filariidae and turbellaria hide in the tina.