Largest Marine Protected Area Safeguards Rich Ocean Habitats

A new 1,848.5-square-kilometre marine protected area will safeguard coral reefs, kelp forests and important wildlife habitats for future generations in Norway.

“Andfjorden is home to rich and varied nature, both above and below the surface. The protection will help ensure that future generations can also enjoy the natural values of Andfjorden,” said Sigrun Aasland, Minister of Climate and Environment.

The Andfjorden Marine Protected Area, the country’s largest, encompasses coral gardens, sponge and sea-pen communities, shell-sand seabeds and maerl beds that provide spawning, nursery and feeding grounds for fish, alongside habitats for whales and seabirds. Particularly valuable and vulnerable zones will receive stronger protection, while fisheries, tourism, space activities and defence operations can continue within a common management framework. A dedicated board representing municipalities, county authorities and the Sámi Parliament will oversee the area. Andfjorden is the 24th of 36 sites in the 2004 Marine Protection Plan to gain protection, increasing the protected share of territorial waters off the mainland from about 4.8% to 6% and contributing towards international biodiversity targets.