In recent years, several researchers have pointed out that the condition of the Oslo Fjord is constantly deteriorating due to both sewage discharge and overfishing. Now the Oslo city council wants to ban bottom trawling in the fjord. – A ban on bottom trawling and zero-fishing areas are obvious measures that are needed to bring life back to the fjord, says Environment and Transport Councilor Marit Kristine Vea (V). But to make it happen, the government needs to step in. MEASURES: City councilor Marit Vea wants more measures to improve the condition of the fjord, both treatment plants and fishing bans. Photo: Rolf Petter Olaisen / news Bring life to the fjord At the weekend, news told how a ban on trawling has saved the flora and fauna in the Øresund, between Denmark and Sweden, from collapse. – It gives a lot of hope. Nature has an amazing ability to come back if we just leave it alone, says Vea. She says that the city council wants both fish-free zones and areas where bottom trawling is prohibited. And several scientists will go even further – to ban all fishing. However, the municipality does not have the power to prohibit ordinary fishing or trawling. The Ministry of Trade and Fisheries decides on the fishing boats. TRAWING: This is what it looks like when fishing boats bottom trawl. A large net is dragged along the seabed. Illustration: The Directorate of Fishing The Norwegian Environment Agency proposes a complete stop Several scientists came up with a rescue package for the Oslo Fjord in May where a total ban on fishing was proposed. At that time, the measures were voted down in the Storting. The largest parties were against it and wanted to wait for a report from the Norwegian Environment Agency. And when the Environment Agency’s report came out in September, they also proposed a fishing ban. But only in areas in Indre Oslofjord and parts of Færder and Ytre Hvaler national parks. – The government has received clear advice from the Norwegian Environment Agency. Still, nothing happens, says city councilor Vea. – In addition, they have managed to make life in the fjord worse by introducing diesel subsidies for shrimp trawlers in the Oslofjord earlier this year, she adds. The algal bloom is suffocating the plants in the Oslo Fjord. This destroys the habitats for the small cod. Construction of nitrogen purification plants is one of the measures that should help. But the researchers believe the cod also needs other help. Photo: NIVA Undecided State Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Fisheries, Kristina Hansen (Ap) confirms that the Environment Agency has sent them a report with various proposals. – The most extreme proposal is zero fishing areas, says Hansen. WISH: Several climate organisations, including Nature and Youth, have asked for a ban on bottom trawling in the fjord. Photo: Natur og Ungdom / Nature og Ungdom / Nature og Ungdom This proposal therefore goes even further than simply banning bottom trawling. And that could become a reality, but first the Directorate of Fisheries must look at the pluses and minuses of a ban. – It is quite far-reaching to have zero fishing areas for ten years. It will have consequences for those who like to fish, and also those who have fishing as a livelihood. Hansen cannot say anything about what measures they will propose and when it will be ready. They do not rule out that they will propose a ban on bottom trawling. – We are in a process and are not ruling anything out now. It is not certain that we will have any measures until next year, she says. EMISSIONS: The Oslofjord is considered Scandinavia’s most polluted fjord, and this is mainly due to nitrogen and phosphorus from agriculture and toilet waste. Photo: Check payment!! Published 15.10.2024, at 09.10 Updated 15.10.2024, at 09.21
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The city council wants a ban on bottom trawling in the Oslofjord – Greater Oslo
