The Spuikom is the southern boundary of the Vuurtorenwijk. A sluice basin is an artificially dug basin that is connected to a seaport. In the past, sluices had the function of removing excess silt from a harbor channel, without the help of dredgers. At high water, the sluice basin was allowed to fill and at low water the lock between the harbor channel and the sluice basin was opened. Due to the great force of the water, the silt was automatically washed back into the sea. The Ostend Spuikom was built from 1900, but the first experiments in 1912 immediately went wrong. The current proved too strong and caused damage to the quay walls of the harbor. In the First World War, the Spuikom was destroyed and never restored afterwards.
Today, more than ever, the Spuikom has a recreational function. The gigantic water surface of 80 hectares (more than 120 football fields!) invites you to sail or surf. You can also fish on the banks with a permit and it is fantastic to jog or cycle around the Spuikom. During the winter months, the northern half of the Spuikom is a resting area for waterfowl: cormorants, goldeneyes, little grebes, grebes and coots. In the spring, the islets in the northwestern part are used by, among other things, breeding terns. Marine scientific research is also carried out in the Spuikom. Finally, the water has been designated 'shellfish water': there are two zones that are used as 'farming parks' for oysters.
Source: Oostende.be