Knowledge gathering – integrated management plan for the Barents Sea

As a follow-up to the integrated management plan for the Barents Sea and Lofoten, the Government allocated NOK 70 million in 2007 to seismic surveys in the Nordland VII and Troms II areas, outside Lofoten and Vesterålen. In 2008, a further 140 million will be allocated to this work. The surveys are carried out by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).

- These surveys will provide us with valuable information before the revision of the management plan in 2010. This is part of the Norwegian Government’s High North strategy, says Mrs. Åslaug Haga, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

This summer, the NPD has gathered 2D seismic in the area, focusing on covering areas not covered in earlier surveys. The plans for next summer comprise further 2D surveys, as well as 3D surveys in certain areas.

Norway as a polar nation
Further, money are granted in the 2008-budget to mapping of the Norwegian continental shelf in the Antarctic in 2008. The United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea requires Norway to present documentation on the Norwegian continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles within 2009. More data is required to determine the boundary between the continental shelf and the international sea bed outside the Norwegian part of the Antarctic.

- This mapping will provide us with new information on these areas, securing Norwegian interests in the Antarctic in line with the Antarctic Treaty, says Minister Haga.