As part of the Delta Works to prevent future flooding after the 1953 flooding , the originally proposed closed earthen dam of the Eastern Scheldt was altered into an open storm surge barrier . This engineering work served to ( partially ) protect the ecology of the estuary and with it the vital fishing industry of the town that depends on regular tidal movements . Resistance from Yerseke and her fisherman , as well as environmentalists , prevented the complete closure of the Eastern Scheldt
1953 flooding
North Sea flood of 1953
Yerseke