To protect wildlife: expedition vessels will be restricted in Svalbard
The Norwegian government is introducing new restrictions to protect wildlife in Svalbard. Thus, expedition ships heading to the archipelago will have to move as far away from wild animals as possible to avoid harming their normal environment.
In addition, the new rules will limit the number of passengers and the number of ports these ships will serve. These rules will come into force on January 1, 2025, Travel Weekly reports.
Thus, researchers traveling here for a rare sighting of the local polar bear will have to stay 300 to 500 meters from the shore. It is noted that such a warning is much stricter than the recommendations from the Association of Cruise Operators of Arctic Expeditions, which recommends staying no closer than 200 meters from the ship.
In addition, the ships that will sail to the territory of the nature reserve can carry no more than 200 guests. Also, the disembarkation of such vessels will be available only in 43 places. This rule will force expedition lines to reconsider which ships they send to Svalbard.
Karin Strand, HX's vice president of expedition development, said she was disappointed with the new rules because AECO and the expedition industry had proposed other solutions. She said: "The recently announced measures will create new challenges in the industry. Our team of expedition experts looks forward to further updates from AECO and we will work together to adapt our itineraries where necessary."