Investigates violations of traffic bans in bird nature reserves

The Governor of Svalbard is investigating several cases where vessels have been observed closer than 300 meters from land in the bird nature reserves on Svalbard. Among other things, there have been violations of the traffic bans in the nature reserves for birds at Lovénøyane in Kongsfjorden and Gåsøyane in Billefjorden, cf. §29 of the Regulations on the national parks Sør-Spitsbergen, Forlandet and Nordvest-Spitsbergen, on the nature reserves Nordaust-Svalbard and Søraust-Svalbard, and about the nature reserves for birds on Svalbard.

The nature reserves for birds, as shown on the map above, include the sea area up to 300 meters from land or reefs at the lowest tide.

All traffic in the nature reserves for birds, including traffic on the sea and landing with aircraft, is prohibited from 15 May to 15 August, cf. §31 of the same regulation. 

Bjørnøya nature reserve
In addition, the Governor is investigating violations of the traffic ban in the Bjørnøya nature reserve, which extends 1 nautical mile from land. Any form of travel on land or water in and near the large bird colonies is prohibited in the period from 1 April to 31 August, cf. §9 of the Regulations on the protection of the Bjørnøya nature reserve in Svalbard. 

Takes violations seriously
The Governor of Svalbard reminds of the conservation regulations in the bird nature reserves and emphasizes the importance that these are observed, says Acting Head of the Environmental Department at the Governor, Linda Karlstad.

- The period from 15 May to 15 August is particularly vulnerable for birds, and the purpose behind the conservation regulations is to prevent disturbances during this period. We take violations of these regulations seriously, and will follow them up further, says Karlstad.