Fishing boat at sea with fishing net on large pole hanging over the water and a flock of birds flying low behind the net.

Photo: Shrimp fisher. © Klaas Kreuijer.

Human activities

The Wadden Sea region is home to 3.7 million mainland inhabitants and 75,000 islanders. Over 10 million tourists generate EUR 3-5 billion turnover a year. Hamburg is one of the biggest harbours in Europe.

How human activities interact with the landscape, plants and wildlife of the Wadden Sea is highlighted in this section.