Grevelingen

The Grevelingen is a former marine bay on the Dutch coast. Despite its damming ( Grevelingendam 1965 Brouwersdam 1971) he retained his status as a salt water bay, but since then also called Grevelingenmeer.

The Grevelingen lies between the islands Schouwen- Duiveland ( province of Zeeland) and Goeree -Overflakkee ( South Holland ). On the west side, towards the North Sea, the Grevelingen by the Brouwersdam, on the east side, towards the Eastern Scheldt, through the Grevelingendam is complete. For shipping to a sluice was built at Bruinisse the Oosterschelde.

It originated as the largest salt water lake in Europe with a total area of 140 km ² ( 14,000 acres ), of which 3,000 acres are dry fallen. Some sandbanks have become islands (including Hompelvoet ), where many water birds nest or find food. The water area is 11,000 hectares, of which 7,000 hectares over 1.50 meters deep. The length is 23 km, the width of 4-10 km. The greatest depth is 48 m and the average level is 0.20 meters below NAP

It is in the interests of nature, that the waters of the Grevelingen remains salty. Therefore located in Brouwersdam a non- usable for navigation passage lock ( the Brouwerssluis ), which is open until 30 days from September to December the year. This also seals and even porpoises, Phocoena phocoena are sometimes called, have been seen in Grevelingenmeer, who chase the herring.

The lake is an important nature reserve. Economically important are next to the oyster fishery, tourism and water sports. In the accompanying places and along its shores several marinas have been created.