Breaking fjord ice is prohibited
The Governor has received reports of breaking fjord ice. According to the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act, this is not permitted.
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The reason for this is that it destroys the habitats of the ringed seal that throws pups in snow caves on the ice, in addition to the fact that the ice is an important hunting area for polar bears. The Governor emphasizes that this also applies to ice that is about to settle, and that channels in the ice should not be sailed in to be kept open.
We remind you that all traffic on Svalbard must take place in a way that does not damage, litter or in any other way degrade the natural environment or cultural monuments or lead to unnecessary disturbance to humans or wildlife.