The estuary can be characterized as a multiple channel system, separated by elongated tidal flats, where the main driving force of the system is the tide. Regular dredging at these sills is required in order to secure safe navigation to the port of Antwerp.

Both natural and human factors have determined the present configuration. In general, the surface area of the estuary has decreased, mainly by land reclamation, dike reinforcement, but also because of the erosion caused by sea level rise, climate change and tidal cycles.

Another type of human interference in the Scheldt estuary is dredging. A dredging strategy was chosen so that material dredged from the main channels was dumped into the side channels. Besides the safety of the hinterland, the leading factor in the further development of the Scheldt estuary seems to be the transport function of the estuary towards the port of Antwerp.

The strategy consists preferably of soft measures. Locally, hard measures are adopted, if required. The negative effects on ecology, like the loss of inter-tidal habitats due to dredging and dumping, do have to be compensated for with rehabilitation works. This kind of project seems to be able to prevent further erosion and sometimes even stimulate sedimentation. In the future, the effects of the possible deepening of the channel and relative sea level rise will be the main causes of an increase in erosion.

• Study area: 60 km
• Type of coast: estuary, beaches (with fine and medium sand- D50 :150-300 mm)
• Tidal regime: meso-tidal
• Wave climate : low energy Storms: max H= 2-3 m during severe storms
• Other: sea level rise (6 mm/y), land subsidence.