How Integrated Ocean governance in the Barents Sea was created by a drive for increased oil production. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olsen, Erik; Holen, Silje; Hoel, Alf Håkon; Buhl-Mortensen, Lene; Røttingen, Ingolf
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 71(2016)
• Page Start: 293
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Barents-Sea -- Integrated-management -- Governance -- Marine spatial planning; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2015.12.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: The Norwegian integrated management plan for the Lofoten–Barents Sea areas (BSMP) was initiated in 2002 following an international push for implementing ecosystem-based management, as well as a national drive to make new areas available for petroleum exploitation.. Governance of the plan was achieved through an inter-ministerial steering group working through its underlying institutions that have been tasked to work together during both development and implementation. This has achieved a high degree of integration across sectors and between government levels. Having the dual objectives of sustainable exploitation and conservation gives rise to a conflict over whether or not to allow petroleum industry access to the ecologically most valuable and vulnerable areas. There was an attempt at resolving this conflict by acquiring more knowledge, but the conflict is fundamentally a value-based question, which is impossible to resolve by gathering empirical knowledge alone. Nevertheless, the BSMP has been a positive vehicle for increasing the legitimacy of the complex decisions a modern society has to take in the management of ocean resources. Highlights: Norway was an early adopter of ecosystem-based marine spatial planning. Oil industry's push for areas and international obligations were the main drivers. The main conflict was between petroleum development and conservation and fisheries. Integration between ministries, institutions and stakeholders was a key process goal. Identifying and rectifying knowledge uncertainties was a key priority.