The Spuikom - Ostend

When this basin of approx. 85 ha was developed about a hundred years ago to remove excess sediment from the harbor channel of Ostend, no one could have imagined that the Spuikom would never be used for this purpose.

After all, the currents that were generated during the first tests turned out to be much too powerful. Moreover, the First World War and new developments in the dredging sector decided on a different future for this brackish water lake. For example, the Spuikom grew into a popular area for oyster farmers, water sports enthusiasts, hiking enthusiasts, fishermen, birds and bird enthusiasts, but also into a temporary landing site for German seaplanes during the Second World War and a 'breeding ground' for Belgian marine researchers.

Willem Vandenameele