In order to restore the connection between the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer for migratory fish, a Fish Migration River is being constructed straight through the Afsluitdijk. The estuary on the Wadden Sea side has recently been completed. Via the estuary the fish will be able to swim into the Fish Migration River. Van Oord created the estuary and has been closely involved with its design.

The Fish Migration River is being constructed on behalf of the Dutch Province of Fryslân. Rijkswaterstaat (the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) is creating the gap in the Afsluitdijk. The Levvel consortium (consisting of BAM, Van Oord and Rebel) is carrying out the work.

Van Oord has been closely involved in the design of the estuary. In the design and planning of the work, materials from the reinforcement of the adjacent Afsluitdijk were taken into account. As a result, the estuary of the Fish Migration River was designed and built circularly. Close cooperation was established with the contractor of the Afsluitdijk, the Levvel consortium. With the completion of the estuary, Van Oord’s work is not yet finished. On the IJsselmeer side of the Afsluitdijk, Van Oord continues to work on the contours of the Fish Migration River.

The Netherlands will be the first country in the world to have a Fish Migration River. This is a unique artificial tidal system which is being constructed across the Afsluitdijk, a 32 kilometre- long dam that separates the Wadden Sea from the IJsselmeer. Migratory fish need both salt and fresh water to grow and reproduce. The Fish Migration River makes it possible for these fish to swim from the salty Wadden Sea to the fresh IJsselmeer and back. The river will also make the IJsselmeer water healthier and increase the number of plants and animals in the area. Besides being a fish passage, the Fish Migration River will also become a beautiful nature and cultural area where visitors can undertake various activities.