This literature review is written as part of my PhD project, which is in turn part of the NWO-funded
“OR ELSE” project. This project investigates and aims to improve marine sand extraction strategies, specifically from a marine life point of view: is it possible to mitigate the negative consequences
of sand extraction for sea life, and perhaps even use the extraction to create a positive impact? This
project is executed with a particular focus on the Netherlands and, consequently, the Dutch part of
the North Sea. Within this project, this PhD specifically focuses on the biogeomorphology of the
sea bed, i.e. the coupled development of the sea bed morphology and the organisms.
