Russians want a say in Norwegian Lofoten
Russian researchers argue that Russia should have their say in the Norwegian debate on whether to open up for oil drilling in the waters outside the Lofoten area.
Research director in the Murmansk-based Pinro fishery research institute, Mr. Yuri Lepsevich, argues that the Lofoten issue is of major interest to Russian fish industry as the area is a vital spawning ground for the Atlantic cod. He does not exclude that Russian fishery authorities will request more information about the Norwegian activities in the area. The Norwegian fish industry has together with environmentalists expressed strong opposition to the oil industrys increasing interest in the Lofoten waters. Oil major StatoilHydro is among the companies which are ready for drilling in what is considered one of the most promising oil areas on the Norwegian shelf. In mid-May this year, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate intends starts another round of seismic studies in the area
