This term refers to a network of protected areas across the European Union: these Special Areas of Conservation traverse EU waters. In Germany's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) within the North Sea, there are three such Natura 2000 sites: the "Borkum Riffgrund" is located north-west of Borkum, the "Doggerbank" is situated approximately 250 km from the mainland, and the vast "Sylter Außenriff" covers around 531 km2 west of the North Frisian Islands. A section of approximately 314 km2 also forms the bird protection area of the same name.
Which species or habitats do these areas actually protect? The answer is rather unsatisfactory, as commercial fishing (including, regrettably, bottom-contact fishing with bottom trawls) remains permitted within them.
Nonetheless, the construction of wind farms is prohibited, even when planned on the periphery of the protected areas if this would result in noise pollution affecting more than 10% of the site's total area. Furthermore, specific habitat types are protected: trawling is banned on stony reefs. In response, the Küstenfischereiverband filed a lawsuit with the European Court in 2025, but lost the case.
Overall, Germany’s implementation of the European specifications under the 1992 Habitats Directive is far from exemplary. Political commitment to protecting German seas appears significantly underdeveloped when compared to the lobbying influence of the fishing industry.
Source: BfN: NSG Sylter Außenriff - Östliche Deutsche Bucht. https://www.bfn.de/nsg-sylter-aussenriff-oestliche-deutsche-bucht
