[1] He specifically looks at waders and correlations between flock size and distribution, climate, food, predators, pathogens, and their historical-genetic background.

"[3] His research on the ecology of the Yellow Sea was a major influence in China refining environmental policy and increasing conservation efforts.

[7] Nature organizations in the Netherlands ended all mechanical cockle fishing in the Wadden Sea after his work at NIOZ proved it harmful.

[7] He has also been the editor-in-chief of Ardea, a peer-reviewed ornithological journal,[7] and helped found the Global Flyway Network to track birds nationwide.

In 2012, the initiative established ‘Kening fan ’e Greide’ (King of the Meadow, a reference to the godwit), which enabled farmers, scientists, and artists to collaborate in an effort to "promote sustainable attitudes to nature and the landscape.

[7] In 2012, he opened the WWF's Dutch Jubilee Conference with a theatre performance illustrating the migration of the black-tailed godwit, with composer Sytze Pruiksma providing accompanying music.