Oil interests won over environmentalists, fishermen
The Norwegian Oil Directorate will be allowed to continue its seismic operations in the vulnerable Lofoten waters, a court decided yesterday.
The decision is a blow to the Bellona Foundation and the Coastal Fishing Association, which demanded a stop to the controversial seismic activities in the area. Both argue that the oil and gas mapping has a negative effect on fishing in the area. They also fear the oil industry’s growing appetite on the Lofoten waters, which are believed to be among the most promising on the Norwegian shelf. The environmentalists and fishermen earlier this year persuaded the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority to request a study on the impact of the seismic mapping on marine life in the area. The Authority will present its study in fall this year.
