Photo: Climate and Pollution Agency
Situation improved in polluted fjords
Along the Norwegian coast, especially in ports and fjords, high levels of hazardous chemicals have been registered in seabed sediments. In the open sea, on the other hand, pollution levels are generally low.
The content of environmentally hazardous chemicals in mussels is a good indicator of the state of the environment in a fjord. Surveys of mussels in polluted fjords show an improvement up to 2002. The basis for producing the aggregated index below was changed in 2002. New stations and parameters were introduced to improve the index.
Chemicals accumulate in the food chain
Hazardous chemicals can lead to deformities in marine organisms or reduce their reproductive capacity, and thus alter the distribution of species. One example is tributyltin (TBT) which has had adverse effects on dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus). Both along the Norwegian coast and in other countries scientists have found female dogwhelks that have developed male sexual organs. This phenomenon is called imposex and results in sterility.
A number of the hazardous chemicals found in coastal areas are persistent, which mean that they break down very slowly in the environment. Persistent pollutants accumulate in the food chain and top-level predators such as polar bear and seals may be exposed to very high levels of pollution. The levels of mercury and cadmium registered in some sea-birds and mammals are high enough to be injurious to health if they are eaten by people or animals.
High levels of hazardous chemicals have been registered at a number of localities along the Norwegian coast. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority therefore advises against the consumption of seafood from these fjords and has in certain cases introduced restrictions on sale of fish and shellfish.
Earlier pollution is still creating problems
Pollutants are transported to the sea through run-off from deposits close to the sea, by rivers or agriculture. Leakage from contaminated sediments are also a major problem.
High levels of hazardous chemicals in some fjords are mainly the result of earlier industrial discharges. Emissions from landbased industry have been reduced, but in many cases seepage from old landfills and contaminated soil still poses a serious problem.
Long-range pollution, carried to Norway by wind or ocean currents is another important source of hazardous chemicals.
Towards binding environmental cooperation
Norway is working towards legally binding commitments in environmental cooperation in the North-East Atlantic through the OSPAR Convention. The goal is to stop emissions of hazardous substances within one generation.
The Climate and Pollution Agency has organised surveys of polluted locations along the Norwegian coast. The Environmental Departments at the County Governor's offices have been responsible for working out county action plans for contaminated sediments. The cliamet and pollution Agency and the County Governors have a common responsibility to follow up the plans, and to make sure the most polluted areas along the coast are cleaned up.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority introduce restrictions on the consumption and sale of polluted seafood when pollution levels reach certain limits.