Abstract
1. The question as to whether no-take zones, as reference areas in the Wadden Sea (eastern North Sea), may develop within a few years or decades towards an ecological situation similar to the one which may have existed in earlier times is examined. 2. It is argued that the driving forces behind changes in species and habitats in the Wadden Sea are natural long-term variability of abiotic factors and area-wide anthropogenic impact (coastal engineering). 3. Fisheries in the Wadden Sea are shown to be of minor importance, and it is proposed that establishment of no-take zones here will not result in the recovery and recolonization of missing species and habitats. The examples of species include European oysters (Ostrea edulis), sabellarian reefs (Sabellaria spinulosa) and white weed (Sertularia cupressina, Hydrallmania falcata). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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