Hunting, trapping and fishing


Svalbard’s wildlife is protected, but restricted hunting, trapping and fishing of certain species is permitted. The purpose of managing Svalbard’s fauna is to preserve the native animal population as much as possible. Laws and regulations are in Norwegian language only.

Published 6/20/2019

Hunting, trapping and fishing in Svalbard is regulated by the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act and associated regulations, see links in the box to the right. Please note that visitors have more limited hunting and fishing rights than residents.