DEPTHS AND AIDS TO NAVIGATION Depths in the main channel are maintained by dredging to 14.5m - LAT. The secondary channels and depths shown on this chart are subject to frequent change. The buoyage and other aids to navigation are adjusted accordingly. For the latest information see Notices to Mariners or consult the pilotage authorities. MARINE FARMS Marine farms exist within the areas indicated. They may not all be shown individually and their positions may change frequently. Marine farms may be marked by lit or unlit buoys or beacons. Mariners are advised to avoid these structures and their associated moorings. VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES (VTS) For procedures and working details of the Westerschelde Vessel Traffic Service Scheldemond (VTS-SM) including Traffic Area Gent-Terneuzen, see the Netherlands Coast Pilot (HP1) or Admiralty List of Radio Signals. WESTERSCHELDE SHIPPING REGULATIONS (WSR) In the Westerschelde and approaches, traffic regulation 'The Westerschelde Shipping Regulations 1990' are in force. For details see the Netherlands Coast Pilot HP1 or Admiralty Sailing Directions. PRECAUTIONARY AREA Vessels should proceed with caution in the precautionary area within Flushing Roads. For details see the Netherlands Coast Pilot HP1 or Admiralty Sailing Directions. SUBMARINE CABLES AND PIPELINES Mariners are advised not to anchor or trawl in the vicinity of submarine cables and pipelines. Pipelines are not always buried and their presence may significantly reduce the charted depth. They may also span seabed undulations and cause fishing gear to become irrecoverably snagged, putting a vessel in severe danger. TIDAL STREAMS Attention is drawn to the strong tidal streams in these waters. For tidal streams and tidal information see: HP 33 Tidal heights and streams for coastal waters of the Netherlands and adjacent waters and HP 33D-NLTides published by the Netherlands Hydrographer. RESTRICTIONS MOTORBOATS AND WATERSKIING In these waters restrictions for sailing with fast motorboats and waterskiing are in force. NATURE RESERVES Large parts of the Zeeland and Zuid-Holland Delta, comprising both land and water, are protected by the Nature Conservation Act 1998. These nature reserves are of great ecological value and natural beauty and are of special importance to birds. Many species use them as feeding, nesting and resting areas. Birds need a quiet environment, therefore it is forbidden to disturb, catch or kill animals. No plants or flowers may be picked, cut out or transported. In general: it is forbidden to damage nature in any way. Characteristic for the nature reserves is the openness. By entering the reserves the natural inhabitants are liable to disturbances. One may enter a nature reserve, but one should act with caution as to disturb nature as little as possible.