The Norwegian government has approved the protection of Andfjorden, which becomes the country’s largest marine protected area. It covers around 1,849 km² of sea in northern Norway, between the regions of Nordland and Troms.
The area has cold-water coral reefs, kelp forests and seabeds that serve as nursery and feeding grounds for many fish species. It is also frequented by large numbers of whales and seabirds.
The area will be managed by a board with representatives from the municipalities, the regions and the Sámi Parliament, representing the Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia. With this decision, the protected share of mainland Norway’s coastal waters rises from around 4.8% to 6%.
