Authorities in the Waddenzee nature reserve have not issued a single fine for wildlife offences for two years because of a lack of resources and changes to the law.

The provincial authority for Friesland says it is in talks with police, the prosecution service and the ministry of agriculture to find ways of protecting seals and other vulnerable fauna and flora.

Highways and waterways operator Rijkswaterstaat said changes to the law had made it practically impossible to fine offenders on the spot, as the legislation now requires proof of deliberate intent to harm wildlife.

The Ministry for Agriculture, Nature and Food (LNV) has just four boats available to monitor the Waddenzee area, and these have to combine law enforcement with other duties.

A spokesman for the conservation body Waddenvereniging said the lack of supervision was putting nature in danger. ‘In the past people were fined if they disturbed seals or birds. Now it comes down to the fact that anyone can do what they like without any risk of redress.

‘It is a protected nature area that is used by professional sailors and tourists. People need to know how to treat flora and fauna, for instance that they should keep away from the seals.’