In December 2005, a formal cooperation between the Waterboard Hollands Noorderkwartier (HHNK) and the department of Aquatic Ecology and Ecotoxicology (IBED-AEE) of the University of Amsterdam was established. The aim of this cooperation is to develop knowledge focused on sustainable water management.

The waterboard Hollands Noorderkwartier is responsible for the management of all surface waters in an area of almost 200.000 hectares located in the north west of the Netherlands. The main tasks are to protect the inhabitants against flooding, to make sure that all surface waters are of good quality and to provide safe shipping routes. The management is based on a system approach in which surface waters, sediments and banks are incorporated. The waterboard aims to adapt and improve management strategies to be prepared for present needs and future developments. Currently the European Water Framework Directive provides important challenges for the ecological management of the inland waters.
The newly established cooperation with the department of Aquatic Ecology and Ecotoxicology is an important step to develop scientific knowledge focused on sustainable water management, including introducing food chains to abate eutrification.