Norwegian interests and participation towards the creation of marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean

Abstract

Norway is an important player in Antarctic governance. As a claimant state with historic whaling interests, it has long held influence in decision-making. Today, Norway lands the largest catch of the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) while also leading innovations in sustainable management. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)–a 26-member body (including Norway) which manages marine living resources in the Southern Ocean–has been moving towards adopting a network of marine protected areas (MPAs). Norway has been very influential in this effort–at times supporting and at other times opposing. Here, our research seeks to understand how Norwegian interests in Antarctica–including historic, political and economic–impact the adoption of MPAs. To complete this research, we performed a content analysis of Norwegian government documents and CCAMLR meeting reports combined with interviews with key informants. Norway has shown a complex combination of support and concern, often related to economic interests, the role of science, and Norway’s positions in other global realms (e.g., the Arctic). A variety of themes emerged that help describe Norwegian positions and actions in the Southern Ocean MPA process: Norway as a leader in the Antarctic, and in global ocean industries and sustainability; Norway as an active supporter of international cooperation; the importance of science which informs utilisation and protection; and CCAMLR’s purpose as a marine living resource management organisation. This research helps provide insight into Norway’s positions and into understanding consensus in the CCAMLR MPA process.