The 1953 storm surge disaster was a pivotal event for the Schouwen coast as it triggered the Delta Flood Protection Plan. The Grevelingen and Haringvliet estuary were completely closed and a semi-open storm-surge barrier was placed in the Eastern Scheldt. As a result, the large-scale redistribution of the ebb-delta deposits triggered the migration of channels and shoals and that had a major impact on the adjacent barrier island coasts. The coast of Schouwen required extensive coastal maintenance efforts, that included construction of groins and pile dykes, nourishments, but also pilot projects in the form of channel relocation and dune restoration. These well-documented interventions form an extensive research database that can be used to better understand coastal management strategies and the impact on coastal morphodynamics over a wide variety of time and spatial scales.