Hydro-ecological relations in the Delta Waters

- In addition to existing management measures, there may well be
future scope for a creative nespome to the ways in wbicb salt,
stagnant lakes function. Such steps might include increasing
denitrification in erde~ to remom nitrogen from the system. Thi8
might be achieved by influenoing nirrifieation and denitrification
processes in the bed by meam of stratification. Another
possibility Would 6e to make use sf the natural process, whereby
organisms which inhabit the salt lake bed act as an essential
fater in the regulation of nutrients. The passibilit~ pf using
sui3 organisms as an active policy irtstrument could be
investigated.
The water in the Delta sues its major significance to the marpholegy
of the basins. The hydraulia conditions of the tidal waters have given
rise to a m~rphological structure and dynamics, which contribute to
the probuctlvify iard diversity of these regions. Gomparmentalization
hs9 sparked af* a process of ~lorphol~&iical change, which will lead to
mme UdEaoourable donditions in the clesed compartme?ats. On the othsz
hma, the morpholog%eal changes along the coast - the creation of the
Voordella - shwld he regarded in a favortlable light, because:
- The morphhetry Of estaaries provideo an ideal starting point fa:
mmimiiring the developent potential of campartmentalized syst-ems.
This applies paftlcnlarly to tbt peesenee of lac:@ areas of
shallows and their gradual transition to t b hanks. It is essential
to preselnre the morphwetry of such areas as much as posp~ihle if
their potential is to be exploited. Considetable experience has
been amassed in the Delta in the constructian of out@? hank
defences;
- It is possible to create new and valuable areas through influencing
processis of seclireantation and erosion. Tha Voordelta is a good.
albeit unintentional, example of this. Sowever, it shoatd be
poaslble, given present know-har and experience, consciously to
create snch as by working in harmwny with nat.ural processes and
eseahIishFng the right parsmeters. In lipe with this approach, ways
are cuzrently be+
investigated of influensisg mud flat and salt