Norway has established a new marine protected area spanning nearly 1 850 square kilometres, safeguarding an underwater world of coral reefs, kelp forests, whales, seabirds and rich fish populations.
Panoramic view of Toppsundet, Kasfjord, Andfjorden, Norway/By: We-Ge/Getty Images
The Andfjorden Marine Protected Area was officially established on 18 September and covers waters in the northern part of Nordland and southern Troms, including the municipalities of Andøy, Harstad and Senja.
The protected area covers approximately 714 square miles, or an area equivalent to almost 260 000 football pitches, according to the Good News Network.
Protecting an underwater world
Andfjorden is home to a remarkably diverse range of marine habitats, including coral reefs, coral gardens, sponge communities and sea-pen communities.
Kelp forests, shell-sand seabeds and maerl beds also provide important spawning, nursery and feeding grounds for numerous fish species.
The waters support abundant fish populations as well as large numbers of whales and seabirds, making the area significant both for marine biodiversity and wildlife enthusiasts.
Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Sigrun Aasland, said the protection would help ensure that future generations could continue to experience and benefit from Andfjorden’s natural environment.
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Some areas will have stricter protection
The new protected area includes several zones where particularly valuable and vulnerable biodiversity occurs.
These areas will have stricter restrictions on activities than the rest of the marine protected area, while the broader designation provides a framework for activities including fishing, tourism, space activities and defence operations.
The area will be managed by a dedicated protected-area board made up of representatives from local municipalities, county authorities and the Sámi Parliament.
A growing network of marine protection
Andfjorden is one of 36 areas included in Norway’s Marine Protection Plan, which dates back to 2004.
With the latest designation, 24 of those areas have now received protection. Norway’s government says the proportion of protected waters within the territorial sea around mainland Norway will increase from approximately 4.8% to 6%.
The move forms part of wider efforts to protect marine ecosystems around the world, with new and expanded protected areas being established in several regions.
For travellers, Andfjorden offers another reason to look north when exploring Norway, where dramatic coastal landscapes are matched by a rich marine environment beneath the surface.
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