A freshwater lake, bounded in the north by the dyke of Zuidelijk Flevoland polder (reclaimed in 1968) and in the south by the mainland. The site is connected to Lake Gooimeer (044) in the north-west and to Lake Nijkerkernauw (adjacent to Lake Wolderwijd, 043) in the south-east. There is an extensive reedbed along the mainland in the western corner. The site includes part of a grassland polder on the southern side. There is a shipping lane (dredged). This site, together with site 075, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL033) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989).
Key biodiversity
This is a roost for large numbers of Cygnus columbianus which come from feeding areas in nearby grassland polders (e.g. Arkemheen), but count data are not available.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The main problems are nutrient pollution (but water quality is improving), over-fishing, and disturbance by recreation. A scheme to compensate for restrictions on agricultural practices applies to part of this site. The entire lake (but not the landward polder) has been designated as an SPA; the designation also includes Gooimeer (044) and a small part of Markermeer (038).
Protected areas
National High International Partial1,200 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Eemmeer, 1,200 ha). 146 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Eemland, 177 ha). 137 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Eemmeer, 137 ha). 1,200 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Eemmeer, Gooimeer en IJmeer, 1,800 ha).
