College: The wild North Sea

On the battle for space at sea, from fisherman to wind farm

What: two lectures on on 25 November (19:30 - 20:30) & 2 December 2025 (19:30 - 21:00)
Cultural visit: Documentary The Wild North Sea screening on 9 December, 12:30pm, Slieker Leeuwarden
Where: Theatre De Bres, Schoolstraat 4, Leeuwarden
Speaker: André Dijkstra

In the past, the sea and the ocean were mainly used by fishermen, trading ships and pirates. Beyond the 12-mile zone (to where the biggest cannon could shoot), the seas were, for most people, mysterious, unexplored, and dangerous areas where anyone could usually do their thing. Thinking usually went no further than making a profit and getting home safely. With the advent of modern times, however, we are increasingly aware of what happens at sea and the effects of our presence there. This requires a new way of thinking and, because the seas are all interconnected, an international approach. Thus Maritime Spatial Planning (aka MSP) was born.

College I | 25 November 2025 | 19:30 pm -20:30 pm | The Bres
An introductory lecture where we cover the importance of MSP by looking at the past, present and future. How did it come about? And why is international cooperation so important in the first place?

College II | 2 December 2025 | 19:30 -20:30 | The Bres
In the final lecture, we apply the knowledge learned in a game. Participants are challenged to take on the role of interested authorities and manage international coastal and marine areas through Martime Spatial Planning.

College III | 9 December 12:30 | Visit film 'Wild North Sea | Slieker
We follow experienced diver and cameraman Peter van Rodijnen, who has spent the past 20 years filming in seas around the world. Inspired by the renowned explorer Jacques Cousteau, Peter decides to capture the unknown underwater world of the North Sea. So close yet so unknown: the North Sea, our country's largest nature reserve!

About the speaker

André Dijkstra is a lecturer in the Coastal and Marine Management programme at VHL University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden. His area of expertise is ecological practical research and governance. In his role as a lecturer, he tries to connect students with practice as much as possible by organising practicals, field days and excursions. This gives students direct contact with future employers, a better picture of the field, and perhaps most importantly - a feel for the work they will be doing in the future!

Publication (co-author) under review: "Below murky waters: Subtidal benthic species and sediment distributions in the Dutch Wadden Sea" - Franken, et al. 2025

When does it take place:

3

Tuesday, 19:30-20:30

25 November 2025 - 09 December 2025

Costs:

Yes, €45

Sign up:

https://generatiehuis.nl/college/de-wilde-noordzee/