Minister Vincent Karremans said that nature reserves in the Wadden Islands would not be permanently closed with fences. Rijkswaterstaat is due to hold information meetings on the proposed closures from 4 November on Texel, but the plans are not final. Members of parliament reportedly opposed closing the reserves during a debate in The Hague. Research has found that the Wadden Sea’s nature has deteriorated because of human influence, and several reports have said rapid action is needed. Karremans said measures could still be taken to protect vulnerable birds in breeding areas.