In 1895, a storm destroyed the last terp and the island was abandoned and became a bird sanctuary. Attempts to protect it from the recurring floods were made in the 1970s but with limited success since the island remained unprotected by a dyke.
In 1895, a storm damaged the final terp, resulting in the abandonment of the island and its transformation into a bird sanctuary. In the 1970s, measures were taken to defend it from floods, but these efforts were unsuccessful due to the island's lack of protection by a dyke.