"We will deal with the acute problems as soon as possible, and give priority to the fjords where there is the greatest risk that pollution will spread", said Minister of Environment Børge Brende.

In areas where there is a high risk of the spread of pollution, measures are to be implemented as soon as possible, and preferably within five years after the fjords have been identified. Steps to prevent the spread of pollution from the most heavily polluted harbours are to be taken within ten years.

Sustained, long-term discharges of hazardous chemicals have polluted sediments in many areas. Sediments polluted by hazardous chemicals and/or heavy metals have been found wherever investigations have been carried out near industrial enterprises or major population centres. These pollutants can damage ecosystems and public health, and restrict opportunities for fishing and fish farming. The authorities currently advise against the consumption of fish and shellfish from 26 harbours and fjords.

There is still a pressing need to identify these problems in many areas. Because such major gaps in our knowledge are a serious obstacle to the clean-up process, certain areas will be selected for pilot projects. The Government also proposes that Norway's expertise in this field should be consolidated in a national council dealing with sediment pollution.

County action plans are to be drawn up for assessing the clean-up measures needed in each area. Plans for the most heavily polluted areas are to be completed by 2005.