Meereswissenschaften: Forschung und Entwicklung

Abstrakt

Research and Environmental Protection of Norwegian fjords: A Standstill

Sergio Manzetti

The two longest and deepest Norwegian fjords, the Hardanger fjord and Sognefjord are representing two large ecosystems which are undergoing a severe environmental threat. Unfortunately, since the publication of “A critical View of the Environmental condition of the Sognefjord” [ 1 ] no new measures have been implemented. The legislative system still accounts the County as the representative entity for addressing and implementing the necessary measures for defending these vulnerable ecosystems. Recent developments indicate that the Norwegian Salmon (the Voss-salmon) has received some attention from the Norwegian Environmental Ministry, however the Sognefjord has not been subjected to any legislative changes for increasing protection of its marine life and environment and aquaculture stations are increasingly being proposed in this region as well. This brief editorial refers the news and changes which have occurred recently with regards to environmental condition of Norwegian fjords.