Norway just protected 714 square miles of coral and whales

Norway established a 714-square-mile marine protected area on September 18th, covering waters in the northernmost part of Nordland and the southernmost part of Troms. The Andfjorden Marine Protected Area holds coral reefs, kelp forests, and shell-sand beds that serve as spawning and feeding grounds for fish, along with large numbers of whales and seabirds. "It contributes both to our food supply and to unique nature experiences," said Sigrun Aasland, Minister of Climate and Environment. Some zones inside the area carry stricter limits on activity because their biodiversity is especially vulnerable. Management falls to a board that includes representatives from the municipalities, the county authorities, and the Sámi indigenous parliament. Andfjorden is one of 36 areas named in Norway's Marine Protection Plan from 2004. With this decision, 24 have now been protected. Aasland thanked the local communities for their cooperation and said she was confident the area would be well looked after.