The ecosystem itself – life underwater – in the Skagerrak is under great pressure. We who use the sea see that the condition is not as before. Marine scientists confirm this through their measurements and data. Coastal waters have been darkened by runoff and particles. Less light gets through to life in the sea. The kelp forests along the Skagerrak coast are greatly reduced by nutrient salts, particles from land and warmer water. Cod fish and other species lose much of their natural breeding environment, and the ecosystem becomes poorer. There will be fewer fish fry, and the stocks will decrease. The UN Climate Panel shows in its sixth main report that climate change will have major consequences for the ocean. It is urgent to switch to a climate-friendly development. Preservation of ecosystems is crucial in this work. On Monday, the Nordic prime ministers will gather in Oslo. We agree that we need a joint Nordic effort for the health of the oceans and a green transition. We need to strengthen the already good Nordic cooperation on the Skagerrak and on our other shared sea areas. We will therefore establish innovative projects for the restoration of marine biological diversity, stem climate change and work for ocean-based solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through ecosystem restoration, we can rebuild ecosystems that have been damaged or destroyed. We already do this, among other things, in polluted fjords and harbours, where we remove and cover up polluted masses so that animals, plants and bathers can use the areas again. In other cases, restoration may involve limiting use and impact from us humans, so that the ecosystems can re-establish themselves. The government will create a new marine environment act that will build on the natural diversity act. It should make it possible to protect areas also outside the territorial waters. With this law in place, we can establish protected areas and conserve important areas for marine nature in all the sea areas that Norway manages. But protection in the sea is not enough, measures must be taken in all areas that can affect our marine areas. In this year’s agricultural settlement, we have received a strong strengthening of the climate and environmental schemes. NOK 70 million has been earmarked for water environment measures for the Oslo Fjord. Cooperation on restoration also takes place between the Nordic countries. In the Kosterhavet National Park outside Bohuslän, almost all living coral reefs are gone. In the LIFE Lophelia project, new corals are cultivated with corals taken from Tislerrevet in Hvaler National Park. In this way, we will create more living reefs and increase natural diversity also on the Swedish side of the border. It is now important that we use the knowledge and experience we have from marine protected areas, conservation measures for fish stocks and conservation areas for lobsters in our further work. Marine scientists point out that we need to fish less in some areas to increase the stocks. The Nordic project Marine management and climate will contribute to ensuring clean, rich and productive Nordic seas, a smooth transition to a carbon-neutral society and a future sustainable marine economy. There is considerable knowledge about the environmental conditions in the Skagerrak in Norwegian, Swedish and Danish research institutions. Professional authorities, national park boards, municipalities, local organizations and individuals also have a lot of insight and knowledge. This must result in political action. We will use experiences from the Baltic Sea to collaborate more closely on the environment and sustainability in the Skagerrak and in our other sea areas. This is necessary to realize a green Nordic region. Together with a number of new and established projects, this can contribute to a boost for the Skagerrak and the Oslofjord. The sea gives us a lot – transport options, food on the table, energy – and good days on the beach and sea in the summer heat. If we are to continue to benefit from this, we must have a sustainable marine economy. Economic development must play in harmony with nature and ecosystems. Good cooperation in the Nordic region is important for a new course for the Skagerrak – and for all our shared sea areas.
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A Nordic powerhouse for Skagerrak – Ytring
