More than 100 people attended a meeting in Den Hoorn on plans to protect Natura 2000 areas in the Wadden Sea. The plans could include temporary closures during the breeding season and the permanent closure of an area north of the Razende Bol and the Schorren. The current management plans expire at the end of 2028. Rijkswaterstaat said it is preparing advice, while the Ministry will decide what measures are taken.

The meeting became tense after attendees objected to the limited initial explanation and asked for a plenary presentation. Earlier unrest had followed the leaking of the plans, which prompted the formation of a protest group and a petition signed by more than 50,000 people. Ecologists say breeding birds are struggling and need more protection, while Texel residents questioned the basis of the proposals and called for greater attention to other potential causes of harm. Meetings are also planned on the other four Wadden Islands, but their dates are not yet known.