{"id":15343,"date":"2018-10-11T10:32:56","date_gmt":"2018-10-11T08:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/?page_id=15343"},"modified":"2026-04-17T10:34:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T08:34:20","slug":"fauna-svalbard","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/themes\/fauna-svalbard\/","title":{"rendered":"Fauna in Svalbard"},"content":{"rendered":"<div  class='flex_column av-44setzj-622a604897af6c33ce1b8f1b8d8705e8 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-3dpwj0v-57dca8deab4d7718bc5b603aa45f1c81 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_textblock  flex_column_div  '     ><div  class='avia-button-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-3  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jmgb6z5e-402a78664e472fd4bae6315454b2e9b3\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-jmgb6z5e-402a78664e472fd4bae6315454b2e9b3:hover{\ncolor:white;\ntransition:all 0.4s ease-in-out;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-jmgb6z5e-402a78664e472fd4bae6315454b2e9b3:hover .avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nfill:white;\nstroke:white;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/hdl.handle.net\/11250\/2643849' class='avia-color-theme-color-highlight avia-font-color-theme-color avia-button avia-button-fullwidth av-jmgb6z5e-402a78664e472fd4bae6315454b2e9b3 avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-color-theme-color-highlight'   aria-label=\"Traffic and wildlife in Svalbard\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue835' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Traffic and wildlife in Svalbard<\/span><div class='av-button-description av-button-description-below'><p>(guide in Norwegian)<\/p>\n<\/div><span class='avia_button_background avia-button avia-button-fullwidth avia-color-theme-color'><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><section  class='av_textblock_section av-2n6o3lv-9ce7f32c65b6ad3d18e0207f354f2994 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2 id=\"marine-fauna\">Marine fauna<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p>\n<div  class='flex_column av-34siqof-5dfc0484898df6de06b77fc76cd00034 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_masonry_gallery  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div  column-top-margin'     ><\/div>\n<div id='masonry-marine' class='av-masonry av-2l1vtpv-25ea166e989bf362b8f956855e22090e noHover av-fixed-size av-large-gap av-hover-overlay- av-masonry-animation-active av-masonry-col-flexible av-caption-always av-caption-style- av-masonry-gallery ' data-post_id=\"15343\"><div class=\"av-masonry-container isotope av-js-disabled\"><div class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item av-masonry-item-no-image '><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG-1030x684.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG-1030x684.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG-450x299.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG-1500x996.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG-705x468.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image Ung ringsel\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-7997' data-av-masonry-item='7997' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-7997 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Ung ringsel\" alt=\"Ung ringsel\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ringselGWG-705x468.jpg);\"  title=\"Ung ringsel\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk.jpg 500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk-450x265.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk-300x176.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"  aria-label=\"image NP043665-polartorsk\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-16834' data-av-masonry-item='16834' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-16834 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"NP043665-polartorsk\" alt=\"Arctic cod\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk.jpg);\"  title=\"NP043665-polartorsk\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1-1030x696.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1-1030x696.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1-450x304.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1-768x519.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1-1500x1014.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1-705x476.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image Bj\u00f8rn\u00f8ya\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-7643' data-av-masonry-item='7643' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-7643 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Bj\u00f8rn\u00f8ya\" alt=\"Lundefugl\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lunde1-705x476.jpg);\"  title=\"Bj\u00f8rn\u00f8ya\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2-1030x674.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2-1030x674.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2-450x294.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2-1500x981.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2-705x461.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image Walrus\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-7607' data-av-masonry-item='7607' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-7607 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Walrus\" alt=\"Walrus\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tik2-705x461.jpg);\"  title=\"Walrus\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-1030x579.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-1030x579.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-450x253.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-705x397.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image knolhval.tromsofoto.net\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-4672' data-av-masonry-item='4672' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-4672 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"knolhval.tromsofoto.net\" alt=\"humpback whale\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-705x397.jpg);\"  title=\"knolhval.tromsofoto.net\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930-1030x685.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930-1030x685.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930-450x299.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930-1500x998.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930-705x469.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930.jpg 2000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image Polar bear counting\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-8320' data-av-masonry-item='8320' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-8320 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Polar bear counting\" alt=\"Polar bear reflected in water\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/NP058930-705x469.jpg);\"  title=\"Polar bear counting\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><\/div><\/div>\n<div id='av-layout-grid-1'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-3mtc4z-37e2d569fb85a64232862aff5378dc65 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_masonry_gallery  el_before_av_layout_row  NPtab-container grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-2hdcpv-40cc61b994e0bd224fdbe26e40bea5ab av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-8  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='tab1'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-jkuuthdo-d483ea148617e6267076cf588f0f94f5 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_layout_row  tabcontent g1 grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-6ja1xv-d9346d6ccdc609fc6f76d6f197b2ac81 av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-11  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><section  class='av_textblock_section av-2ea9oer-8a18bbf453fde9f62e80037ddfecbe0c '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>Marine mammals<\/h3>\n<p>Marine mammals in the Svalbard area include whales, seals and polar bears. Seals dominate in terms of numbers, while whales dominate in terms of biomass.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-2dufjpv-f49ff90a05b98368a07f46749d554834 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lda38sv0-6c8dc7304b6da89eb6dd877c9ffe88f2'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-1' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-1' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-1' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Status\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Status\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Status\">Status<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-1' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-1' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Marine mammals in the Svalbard area include whales, seals and polar bears. Seals dominate in terms of numbers, while whales dominate in terms of biomass. Polar bears are also considered to be a marine mammal, as they spend much of the year out on the sea ice and almost exclusively obtain all their nourishment through marine species.<\/p>\n<p>Six of the marine mammal species in Svalbard are considered to be &#8220;indigenous&#8221; in a legal sense, i.e. they are managed through the Svalbard Environment Act. These are ringed seal, harbour seal, bearded seal, walrus, beluga whale and polar bear. This is a legal step in order to identify species which are not to be managed under more harvesting-focused fisheries legislation.<\/p>\n<p><u>Five marine mammal species are on the Red List for Svalbard.<\/u><\/p>\n<h4>Whales<\/h4>\n<p>There are over 80 whale species in the world. Of these, four or five species can be commonly encountered in the Svalbard area, while around ten other species occur more or less rarely. There are three whale species that breed and remain in this area all year round: beluga whale, narwhal and bowhead whale. The beluga whale is commonly seen, particularly in the fjords of Svalbard, while the other two are less common.&nbsp; In addition, a number of other whale species visit the Svalbard area from the south in order to hunt for food during the summer, the most common of these being the minke whale, fin whale and humpback whale. The largest species of all, the blue whale, which is the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth, weighing in at 200 tonnes and being up to 30 metres long, has increasingly been observed around Svalbard at certain times of the year, even in the inner reaches of the fjords. Most of the whales are primary consumers, with the exception of some baleen whales, which are secondary consumers.<br \/>\n<div  class='avia-testimonial-wrapper av-3h3nhne-da3081b4356fa624ddb084c6d0836569 avia-grid-testimonials avia-grid-3-testimonials avia_animate_when_almost_visible' >\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-3fdrp16-f954c86b5c41fffacf3ef20584b93e88 avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Hvithval\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP016162-Hvithval-EJ_jpg_355266218-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5139\">White whale<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-3d2w5mi-1cfdf52071cccd1855f1ccbca6c38ff7 avia-testimonial-row-1 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Narwhal and narwhal-baby\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/narhval.JonAars-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5114\">Narwhal<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-3chxwui-63b7f02c06ea7a60d9f9fd0afcd7352a avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Gr\u00f8ndlandshval med bl\u00e5st\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/gronlandshval2-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=7545\">Bowhead whale<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-39unp6y-38406d153c886c879ab2a18b665fd8ce avia-testimonial-row-2 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Hval i fjord\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/vagehval-balaenoptera-acutorostrata-ny_NP024481.jpg_1037332811-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5076\">Common minke whale<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-38qdaoq-df3591e8294be517332dabe4515001dc avia-testimonial-row-2 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/finnhval-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"En finnhval er oppe og bl\u00e5ser\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/finnhval-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/finnhval-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/finnhval-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/finnhval-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/finnhval-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5058\">Fin whale<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-dd341c08841736a855fb7922ec7ead67 avia-testimonial-row-2 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"humpback whale\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/knolhval.tromsofoto.net_-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5134\">Humpback whale<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-46-0caa8c280435c7b42bb8ff39192ec833 avia-testimonial-row-3 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Blue Whale\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/blahval-kit-kovacs-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5052\">Blue whale<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div><\/p>\n<h4>Seals<\/h4>\n<p>There are four commonly occurring seal species in Svalbard. The most common are ringed seal and bearded seal. There are also several thousand walrus which form part of a population that we share with Russia. There is also a small genetically isolated population of harbour seal, which primarily occurs on the west coast of Svalbard. At times, there are also large numbers of harp seal in the Svalbard area; these are seals which breed outside the Svalbard area (the \u201cEast Ice\u201d and the \u201cWest Ice)<br \/>\n<div  class='avia-testimonial-wrapper av-3h3nhne-52-c4a0d3be8cdaa4850f013a45bdea01fd avia-grid-testimonials avia-grid-3-testimonials avia_animate_when_almost_visible' >\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-3fdrp16-51-fa436c809cb5eb74d1fd3e621521d01f avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Storkobbe i sj\u00f8en\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046128-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5098\">Ringed seal<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-3d2w5mi-50-4114ed67aef5e166fed749cb9dd5520f avia-testimonial-row-1 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Storkobbe p\u00e5 isflak\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP032605-storkobbe-KH.jpg_1980941969-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5086\">Storkobbe<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-3chxwui-49-d8ce42b3e2401ce839869ec2e327b953 avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/hvalross2-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Hvalross p\u00e5 isen\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/hvalross2-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/hvalross2-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/hvalross2-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/hvalross2-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/hvalross2-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5140\">Hvalross<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-39unp6y-48-31f579254b171225e7e82e249ba2cdb7 avia-testimonial-row-2 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Steinkobbe\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057338-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5089\">Steinkobbe<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-39unp6y-40-abc062173bf7d99c4868091805f0b17e avia-testimonial-row-2 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Gr.sel_-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Gr\u00f8nlandssel ved vannhull\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Gr.sel_-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Gr.sel_-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Gr.sel_-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Gr.sel_-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Gr.sel_-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Gr.sel_-900x900.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5068\">Gr\u00f8nlandssel<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div><\/p>\n<h4>Polar bears<\/h4>\n<p>Polar bears in Svalbard belong to the Barents Sea population, one of 19 recognised sub-populations. This population was counted at approximately 685 animals in the Norwegian area in 2004 and at 975 animals in 2015. However, these figures are subject to considerable uncertainty.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/?p=5068\"><div  class='avia-testimonial-wrapper av-3h3nhne-44-f5206da6a2ecb7a8b3be5b3972fd6720 avia-grid-testimonials avia-grid-3-testimonials avia_animate_when_almost_visible' >\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-45-6a0a69009b7ed6f8733abb75ef98ed55 avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NP058973-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"to isbj\u00f8rner\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NP058973-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NP058973-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NP058973-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NP058973-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NP058973-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <\/a><a href=\"\/?p=1539\">Polar bear<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-5t70l0v-eeb68435cbbf47703ef0deedca97dfcf'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-2' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-2' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-2' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\">Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-2' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-2' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"\/?page_id=15369\">Warming of the <\/a><u>climate<\/u> is reducing the availability of sea ice. This represents the main threat to many of the marine mammal species in the Arctic, particularly those which rely entirely on the sea ice in order to move around, to mate and feed their young, and to find food. The two most ice-dependent species are ringed seal and polar bear, and major consequences are anticipated for the populations of these two species both in Svalbard and globally if the reduction in ice cover continues.<\/p>\n<p>Of the marine mammals, minke whale is the only species to be hunted commercially in Norwegian areas. In addition, two species are also hunted: bearded seal and ringed seal. However, the scope of the hunting is not sufficient to impact on the population, which is also a prerequisite under the Svalbard Environment Act. Hunting is also subject to time restrictions. The commercial hunting grounds for harp seal are located outside Svalbard.<\/p>\n<p>As a top predator, polar bears are particularly susceptible to the bioaccumulation of <u><a href=\"\/?page_id=15329\">pollutants<\/a><\/u>. However, polar bears are able to metabolise pollutants, which is not always a benefit, as many of the metabolites can be more hazardous than the original compounds.&nbsp; Other species, such as beluga whale and toothed whales, have a very poor capacity to break down such substances and therefore have higher concentrations of many contaminants than polar bears, although beluga whales are lower in the food web. Orca have also been found to contain particularly high concentrations of certain pollutants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-pv8f4f-ca781e58513dfed5c80c179fe9213dbd'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-3' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-3' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-3' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Monitoring\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Monitoring\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Monitoring\">Monitoring<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-3' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-3' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Marine mammals can be very challenging to monitor, as they spend much of their time out at sea and under water.<\/p>\n<p>Polar bears are monitored through tracking using satellite transmitters, through population counts, through studying reproduction rates, as well as through comparisons of density of dens and ice cover around key den areas in the Svalbard area.<\/p>\n<p>Walruses in Svalbard are monitored via satellite transmitters and population counts at regular intervals. Selected haul-out sites of walrus (see the <u><a href=\"http:\/\/svalbardkartet.npolar.no\/Viewer.html?Viewer=Svalbardkartet&amp;showAdvancedTools=True&amp;showDataFrame=True&amp;extent=99455.1359021918,8463757.65564346,1157451.91856243,9000884.06322961&amp;showOverviewMap=False&amp;layers=6,0,0,5,0,0,14,1,0,4,0,1,0,3,1,0,10,1,0,9,1,0,8,0,0,12,0,0,13,0,0,15,0,0,0,0,0,&amp;\">map of Svalbard<\/a><\/u>) are monitored using cameras in order to look at the dynamics of the use of these sites, as well as the potential effects of visits by tourists.<\/p>\n<p>Transect counts of whale species at sea are carried out regularly, with a particular focus on minke whale, a species that is hunted.&nbsp; Beluga whales are monitored through tracking via satellite transmitters, and a first count of these whales is planned in the near future. Otherwise, the three indigenous whale species are monitored using acoustic listening buoys deployed at various locations in the Svalbard area.<\/p>\n<p>Harbour seals in Svalbard are monitored through tracking via satellite transmitters and through population counts at regular intervals (on only one occasion to date). The most ice-dependent species apart from polar bear, the ringed seal, is very difficult to monitor, but efforts are being made to develop methods for monitoring the species.<\/p>\n<p>The species composition of marine mammals is covered by the <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosj.no\/en\/\">Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/a><\/u> (MOSJ) system and the Barents Sea management plan. Indicators for marine mammals are also being developed in the <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caff.is\/\">Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program<\/a><\/u> (CBMP) and the Norwegian-Russian environmental monitoring programme for the Barents Sea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='tab2'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-jkuutqqr-b68d60b7b892e916968a04e1a1edb8d9 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_layout_row  tabcontent g1 grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-46ccs3-17a0317e874a7ef6652f71539100865f av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-18  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><section  class='av_textblock_section av-22ufi4j-c817a7427355558a71c60394a4d18872 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>Seabirds<\/h3>\n<p>Marine birds, or seabirds, are bird species that obtain their nourishment from the sea. Some seabirds obtain all their food from the sea, while other seabirds obtain a proportion of their nourishment from the sea. Seabirds are a vital group of animals in Svalbard, as they provide a link between the marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Seabirds are responsible for a massive transfer of nutrients from the sea to the land, a process which gives most ecosystems in Svalbard a marine association.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-221tmib-d045d52ab298b648fb9cc98313f2addc av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-20  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-13abjdb-f240c6448257a7624c2357c59c9787e6'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-4' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-4' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-4' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Status\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Status\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Status\">Status<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-4' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-4' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Marine birds, or seabirds, are bird species that obtain their nourishment from the sea. Some seabirds obtain all their food from the sea, while other seabirds obtain a proportion of their nourishment from the sea. Seabirds are a vital group of animals in Svalbard, as they provide a link between the marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Seabirds are responsible for a massive transfer of nutrients from the sea to the land, a process which gives most ecosystems in Svalbard a marine association.<\/p>\n<p>The number of breeding species is not particularly impressive, but the individual richness of certain species can be high. As of 2014, 212 bird species were recorded in Svalbard and surrounding areas. Of these, 28 species are considered to be ordinary breeding birds, while 20 are seabirds.<\/p>\n<p>Svalbard has a number of important seabird areas, including 15 bird reserves <a href=\"http:\/\/svalbardkartet.npolar.no\/Viewer.html?Viewer=Svalbardkartet&amp;showAdvancedTools=True&amp;showDataFrame=True&amp;extent=22238.9814698828,8330322.72210693,1080235.76413012,8867449.12969308&amp;showOverviewMap=False&amp;layers=6,0,0,5,0,0,14,1,0,4,1,0,3,0,1,3,10,1,0,9,1,0,8,0,0,12,0,0,13,0,0,15,0,0,0,0,0,&amp;\">(see the locations of these reserves on the map of Svalbard<\/a>). Many of these areas were originally protected because of their importance for common eider and geese, but many are also important as overwintering areas for numerous species, including a high proportion of the population of long-tailed duck, as well as eiders, king eider, glaucous gull and black guillemot. Banks\/shallow water areas are important rearing and moulting areas for common eider, king eider and long-tailed duck. The marginal ice zone is particularly important for grazing ivory gulls, thick-billed murre and little auk, and the area in front of glaciers is especially important for ivory gulls, kittiwakes and fulmars.<\/p>\n<p>Many of Svalbard&#8217;s breeding seabird species are on the Norwegian Red List, either because they exist in small populations or because they exhibit a negative population trend. This applies to the following species: razorbill, glaucous gull, ivory gull, kittiwake, thick-billed murre, common guillemot and Sabine&#8217;s gull.<\/p>\n<div  class='avia-testimonial-wrapper av-3h3nhne-38-a49cb2e33fb4d872cd636de71a1f27dd avia-grid-testimonials avia-grid-3-testimonials avia_animate_when_almost_visible' >\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-3fdrp16-43-6eb6540a44426df7fe2a0fc08d58ca40 avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Alke\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/alke-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5051\">Razorbill<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-3d2w5mi-42-8ee5713fd9e7bbe3f549574eab9efbec avia-testimonial-row-1 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP061667-e1519206113695-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Glaucous gull\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP061667-e1519206113695-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP061667-e1519206113695-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP061667-e1519206113695-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP061667-e1519206113695-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP061667-e1519206113695-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5104\">Glaucous gull<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-3chxwui-41-e1a285fef4254ac505da06ff8da65889 avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ismaake1-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"To ism\u00e5ker p\u00e5 en stein.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ismaake1-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ismaake1-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ismaake1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ismaake1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ismaake1-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5136\">Ivory gull<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-39unp6y-39-02c66b87a0267f0a9b60d8acc6f50824 avia-testimonial-row-2 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/polarlomvi-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Br\u00fcnnich&#039;s guillemot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/polarlomvi-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/polarlomvi-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/polarlomvi-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/polarlomvi-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/polarlomvi-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5073\">Brunnichs guillemot<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-38qdaoq-47-a85bd565b8a197c30179f79dc7b8f9dc avia-testimonial-row-2 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"A common guillemot eats a fish\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/LomviMedFisk.Tore_.Nordstad-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5130\">Common guillemot<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-37-58d276246b9aef262f2aed6218e3909f avia-testimonial-row-2 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/krykkje-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Black-legged kittiwakes\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/krykkje-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/krykkje-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/krykkje-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/krykkje-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/krykkje-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5132\">Black-legged kittiwake<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-30-6ef39ac5b0518aee87ab7e03d743c9c9 avia-testimonial-row-3 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Sabine&#039;s gull\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP013619-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5096\">Sabines gull<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-29-1156e5c19cc19eb37e8d9cca83a84b5c avia-testimonial-row-3 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Havhest i vannet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/havhestGWG2-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5072\">Northern fulmar<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-29gfe7-0ec8d432cd056639ac4d25cd31077960'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-5' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-5' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-5' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\">Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-5' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-5' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The main threat to the seabirds in Svalbard is the <u><a href=\"\/?page_id=15369\">changing climate<\/a><\/u>. For some species that are at the northern limit of their extent of occurrence, a change in climate could have a positive impact. However, changes in sea temperature also alter the prevalence and distribution of key prey, which can have a negative impact on seabird populations, due to the birds being unable to find food where and when they need it during the breeding season.<\/p>\n<p>During the breeding and moulting seasons, seabirds are very vulnerable to marine pollution. Tiny droplets of oil in the birds\u2019 plumage reduce the insulating properties of the feathers, causing the birds to freeze to death. <u><a href=\"\/?page_id=15329\">Environmental pollutants<\/a><\/u> also represent a major problem for certain species, such as the glaucous gull. Most birds in Svalbard are migratory and are therefore also vulnerable to external factors when they are not in Svalbard.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-qpjdtb-425b5c750e7e5fd63b9cc5247d41b1cd'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-6' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-6' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-6' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Monitoring\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Monitoring\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Monitoring\">Monitoring<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-6' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-6' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Seabird populations are monitored for various reasons. There are sometimes tens of millions of individual seabirds in the Barents Sea area, and the species that make up the majority of this biomass, such as thick-billed murre and kittiwake, are monitored as they are key ecological components in the Barents Sea, and changes in the population will have consequences for many other species. Populations of other species are monitored as they are sensitive to climate change and pollutants, such as ivory gull and glaucous gull.<\/p>\n<p>The monitoring of seabirds forms part of the <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosj.no\">Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/a><\/u> (MOSJ), <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.seapop.no\">SEAPOP<\/a><\/u>, the <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.caff.is\/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=387&amp;Itemid=1187\">Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program<\/a><\/u> (CBMP) and the Norwegian-Russian environmental monitoring programme for the Barents Sea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='tab3'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-jkuuu14r-672cd4702ca41bf924b5b617e8c321d6 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-22  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_layout_row  tabcontent g1 grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-2t7nxv-389cf51b8f37c7cb419292ce719c7d09 av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-23  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><section  class='av_textblock_section av-1rc93fn-454d22e09e0752d9d407abe9f6abbab8 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>Fish<\/h3>\n<p>Arctic species can spend their whole life in the area (e.g. Arctic cod, common snailfish, snakeblenny and eelpout), whilst arctic-boreal species can live in several areas, but the location of the spawning area will determine the designation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-65zvfn-e7d91be8504387b80c42b695a3891411 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-25  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-k8xbrj-6bb2c1686d90f6ab2451c6f5386d35cc'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-7' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-7' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-7' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Status\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Status\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Status\">Status<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-7' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-7' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><figure class=\"media pull-right\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption caption highslide-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media pull-right\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption caption highslide-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media pull-right\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption caption highslide-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Fish which can occur in the waters of Svalbard (as well as over a larger area) can be grouped into <strong><em>pelagic fish<\/em><\/strong> (e.g. capelin and herring) and <strong><em>demersal fish<\/em><\/strong> (e.g. cod, haddock, pollack, redfish, cusk, wolffish, halibut and Greenland halibut (which can also occur pelagically)).<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Commercial species<\/em><\/strong> are fished for human consumption or as industrial fish (e.g. capelin, cod, haddock, Arctic cod, Greenland halibut, halibut, wolffish), while <strong><em>non-commercial<\/em><\/strong> species which are caught are discarded (e.g. American plaice, skates, sculpins, common snailfish, snakeblenny and eelpout).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_16834\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16834\" class=\"wp-image-16834 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk.jpg\" alt=\"Arctic cod\" width=\"500\" height=\"294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk.jpg 500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk-450x265.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/NP043665-polartorsk-300x176.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-16834\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Arctic cod is a key species in the ecosystem. Photo: Peter Leopold \/ Norwegian Polar Institute<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Arctic species can spend their whole life in the area (e.g. Arctic cod, common snailfish, snakeblenny and eelpout), whilst arctic-boreal species can live in several areas, but the location of the spawning area will determine the designation. This applies, for example, to American plaice, snakeblenny, lumpsucker and Atlantic wolffish. Boreal species spawn off the coast of Central and Northern Norway, but spend all or part of their lives in the Barents Sea, including around Svalbard (e.g. cod, haddock, pollack, herring, Greenland halibut and redfish). More details regarding prevalence in the Svalbard area and the Barents Sea in August-September 2004 &#8211; 2009, life history, population estimates and catches.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_572\" style=\"width: 211px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-572\" class=\"wp-image-572 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP024295-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"Diverse fisker i et kar\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP024295-201x300.jpg 201w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP024295-450x672.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP024295-472x705.jpg 472w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP024295.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-572\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Atlantic cod, Arctic cod, capelin, herring, American plaice and shorthorn sculpin from Lieftefjorden, Svalbard. Photo: Geir Wing Gabrielsen \/ Norwegian Polar Institute<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Greenland shark is the largest fish in Arctic waters, with a maximum length exceeding 4 m and a weight of over 600 kg. Little is known about the species\u2019 movements and habitat preferences, but the tagging of individuals in Kongsfjorden indicates that they are widely distributed and probably make use of the entire water column when hunting for prey. Ringed seals, bearded seals, hooded seals, cod, Atlantic wolffish and haddock all constitute its prey. Greenland shark may have a significant predatory role in the Arctic food web. The size of the population around Svalbard is unknown, but it is probably substantial, as commercial fishing ended in the middle of the last century. Fishing for Greenland shark along the coast of Greenland during the 1940s recorded annual catches of up to 50,000 individuals, which were caught for their oil-rich liver.<\/p>\n<p>The nutritional content of fish varies with age, size, season and time of day. A fish population can be affected in numerous ways, e.g. through fish eating each other, through them competing for common food resources, predation from organisms higher up the food web, environmental factors (which have a decisive impact on the survival rate of larvae) and the volume of inflowing Atlantic water.<\/p>\n<p>If a key species is affected by changes in predation, by major reductions in biomass (e.g. fish) or by environmental changes, the entire ecosystem could be affected. For example, both Arctic cod and capelin are of decisive importance for the diversity of their respective ecosystems (ice-filled\/ice-free areas)<u><\/u>. Both are vital sources of food for many species at higher trophic levels. Cod and herring are considered to be key species in the southern Barents Sea, while prawns and Arctic cod are key species in the northern Barents Sea. Capelin spawn along the coast of Finnmark, but can migrate all the way up to the ice margin in the northern Barents Sea. It can therefore be a key species in both the southern and northern Barents Sea, but because the population exhibits substantial fluctuations with very low biomass over periods of 8 \u2013 10 years, it is a relatively unstable food source. When capelin numbers are down, there is a food shortage for some species of seabirds and other high-level animals in the food web of the Barents Sea.<\/p>\n<p><u>Some of the fish species around Svalbard have Red List status<\/u>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"media pull-right\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption caption highslide-caption\">\n<div id=\"attachment_563\" style=\"width: 1040px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-563\" class=\"size-large wp-image-563\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/fordeling-av-torsk-barentshav-2010-2011-2012-1030x257.jpg\" alt=\"kart\" width=\"1030\" height=\"257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/fordeling-av-torsk-barentshav-2010-2011-2012-1030x257.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/fordeling-av-torsk-barentshav-2010-2011-2012-450x112.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/fordeling-av-torsk-barentshav-2010-2011-2012-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/fordeling-av-torsk-barentshav-2010-2011-2012-768x191.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/fordeling-av-torsk-barentshav-2010-2011-2012-705x176.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/fordeling-av-torsk-barentshav-2010-2011-2012.jpg 1301w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-563\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Distribution of cod and capelin in the northern Barents Sea, autumn 2010, 2011 and 2012. The white areas indicate ice cover and the thin black lines indicate depth. Figure: Havforskningsrapporten 2013.<\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-48y5cmn-8cb00f47e2777021b512b58e77341d1b'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-8' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-8' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-8' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\">Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-8' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-8' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Fisheries are the only form of exploitation that can currently be considered to be impacting on the marine ecosystem, either directly through (over)exploitation of the fish populations that are being fished, as well as any bycatch species, or indirectly through changes in the nutritional basis for seabirds and marine mammals. In addition, commercial species exhibit natural fluctuations which can be either amplified or dampened with large-scale fisheries.<\/p>\n<p>Of the commercial species, direct fishing is carried out for cod, haddock, Greenland halibut, northern wolffish, Atlantic wolffish and spotted wolffish, although cusk are only taken as a bycatch in the waters around Svalbard. However, fishing largely takes place more than 12 nm from the coast.<\/p>\n<p>Cod is one of several species that has been moving steadily northwards (see the figure in status), a fact that is also reflected in the fishing. Cod, haddock and Greenland halibut are closely associated with the ocean floor, and it is therefore unlikely that they will spread further north than the continental slope north of the Barents Sea. Capelin are a pelagic species and thereby have greater potential to move into the Arctic Ocean, but for the time being it appears as though factors other than the absence of ice are playing a role, including food availability (in particular copepods and the distance to the spawning grounds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-2oc9in-063d182545f084764e5c9e39c880de30'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-9' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-9' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-9' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Monitoring\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Monitoring\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Monitoring\">Monitoring<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-9' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-9' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Spawning populations of Greenland halibut, north-east Arctic cod, cod, beaked redfish and common redfish, biomass and the prevalence of blue whiting and young herring, as well as mature populations of capelin, are covered by the monitoring carried out under the auspices of the Barents Sea management plan, which also covers the marine areas around Svalbard.<\/p>\n<p>With the exception of blue whiting, the same species are included in the <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosj.no\/en\">Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/a><\/u> (MOSJ). Indicators for various species of fish are also being developed in the <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caff.is\/\">Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Programme<\/a><\/u> (CBMP) and the Norwegian-Russian environmental monitoring programme for the Barents Sea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='tab4'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-jkuuu14r-27-5df1b17e17fd827e04620621173628d4 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-26  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_one_full  tabcontent g1 grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-2t7nxv-26-aa8cc840e14a1579dfa4d17862b668c3 av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-27  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><section  class='av_textblock_section av-1er3nhf-7aa58c4b0c686f07f67848c2217256ee '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>More groups<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-1cmuo1f-a93a5d02520e4e3956feb927e9e8e6a7 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-29  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-2laxjf3-9a172d8b3fb07c85ba94df0ae1aaf7c9'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-10' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-10' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-10' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Prawn\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Prawn\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Prawn\">Prawn<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-10' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-10' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><div id=\"attachment_573\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-573\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-573\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034874-300x191.jpg\" alt=\"Reke\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034874-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034874-450x286.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034874-768x488.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034874-705x448.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034874.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-573\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Northern prawn (<em>Pandalus borealis<\/em>) Photo: Fredrik Broms<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Of the prawn species found in Norwegian coastal waters, only the northern prawn (<em>Pandalus borealis<\/em>) is of any major economic significance. It enjoys a circumpolar, Arctic boreal distribution. A number of factors govern its prevalence, including depth (observed from 20 \u2013 900 m, but most commonly 100 \u2013 700 m), salinity, temperature (main regulator for prevalence and life-cycle) and characteristics of the bottom (soft clay bottoms are best). The key prawn grounds have a temperature of between 1 \u2013 3 \u00b0c, but prawns are found in water masses with a temperature of between \u2013 1.7\u00b0C and 13\u00b0C. In years with a lot of ice, low water temperatures can contribute to impoverished cohorts in prawns, e.g. in Isfjorden. Northern prawn have vertical migrations, but become more closely associated with the bottom as they grow older. Prawns are important sources of food for cod and other fish that forage near the bottom.<\/p>\n<h4>Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<\/h4>\n<p>Prawn fishing is conducted in several fjords and coastal waters in Svalbard. Rising fuel prices and falling prawn prices have affected the level of activity in shrimp fisheries, which has been one third below scientists&#8217; recommendations in recent years. However, there are now signs of rising prawn prices, which could impact on the future level of activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-11w8ze7-003c575995b53ca59c00f1bc4be56e9c'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-11' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-11' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-11' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Plankton\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Plankton\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Plankton\">Plankton<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-11' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-11' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><figure><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media pull-right\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption caption highslide-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"attachment_569\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-569\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-569\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-8-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Planteplankton\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-8-450x299.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-8-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-8-705x469.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-8.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-569\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>PHYTOPLANKTON<\/strong> Spring bloom of phytoplankton north of Svalbard, May 2010.&nbsp; Photo: Cecilie H. von Quillfeldt<\/p><\/div>\n<h4>Phytoplankton<\/h4>\n<p>Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that move passively with the sea currents; they have little or no motion of their own. There are many different groups, of which diatoms are one of the most important in Svalbard. Biomass and species composition vary considerably through the year and between years. Most species have a circumpolar distribution because they follow the ocean currents around the Arctic. Important regulating factors are temperature, salinity, convection in the water masses, light, nutrients, water depth, grazing and depth of sedimentation. Over 1,800 species have been reported in the Arctic, although there are also many, particularly small flagellates, that have not yet been described<\/p>\n<h4>Zooplankton<\/h4>\n<div id=\"attachment_576\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-576\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-576\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP056806-300x226.jpg\" alt=\"Dyreplankton\" width=\"300\" height=\"226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP056806-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP056806-450x339.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP056806-768x579.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP056806-705x532.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP056806.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-576\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>ZOOPLANKTON<\/strong> <em>Calanus glacialis<\/em> is a typical zooplankton species in arctic water masses. The green intestine is caused by grazing on phytoplankton. Photo: Allison Bailey\/Norwegian Polar Institute<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Zooplankton can be divided into two main groups: <strong><em>holoplankton, <\/em><\/strong>which live planktonically throughout their entire life (e.g. copepods), and <strong><em>meroplankton<\/em><\/strong>, which only live planktonically for a certain period of time (e.g. barnacle and crab species). Key species of crustaceans are large copepods (<em>Copepoda<\/em>), e.g. <em>Calanus finmarchicus<\/em>, <em>Calanus glacialis<\/em> and <em>Calanus hyperboreus<\/em>, small copepods (<em>Copepoda<\/em>), krill (<em>Euphausiacea<\/em>) and pelagic amphipods (<em>Amphipoda<\/em>). <em>Calanus finmarchicus<\/em>, <em>Calanus glacialis<\/em> and <em>Calanus hyperboreus <\/em>are all important species in the Svalbard region, but their main prevalence is governed by water type, depth and distance to the coast and continental shelf. Most species rise up from the depths in order to graze on spring algal blooms, although often at different times as regards their most intense grazing phase, so reducing competition between the species.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_570\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-570\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-570\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-10-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Hval\u00e5te\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-10-450x299.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-10-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-10-705x469.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-10.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-570\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sea angels (<em>Clione limacina<\/em>) is at times an important species of zooplankton in the Barents Sea.&nbsp; Photo: Bj\u00f8rn Gulliksen.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Any changes in primary production could have consequences for higher links in the food web. The importance of this dynamic adaptation to primary production, and the way in which any climate changes will affect it, is therefore a key issue within research into the effects of climate changes.<\/p>\n<p>The relationship between zooplankton and predators depends on the choice of prey, the time of grazing, the size of overwintering populations, and growth and production conditions for juvenile plankton populations. Another large and important group in Svalbard is gelatinous plankton (planktonic animals with a very high water content and a gelatinous physical consistency). Main groups of gelatinous plankton include jellyfish (phylum: <em>Coelenterata<\/em>), comb jellies (phylum: <em>Ctenophora<\/em>) and arrow worms (phylum: <em>Chaetognatha<\/em>). Most feed in the layers with copepods. They are usually tactile predators which capture plankton in nets with nematocysts (stinging cells) or mucus, which paralyses and sedates the prey. Arrow worms have eyes and are therefore a visual predator.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_577\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-577\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-577\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Calanus_finmarchicus-1-300x191.jpg\" alt=\"Raud\u00e5te\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Calanus_finmarchicus-1-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Calanus_finmarchicus-1-450x287.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Calanus_finmarchicus-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-577\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Calanus finmarchicus<\/em> is an important species in the Svalbard region.<br \/>Photo: Norwegian Polar Institute<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Many of the zooplankton species are important sources of food for other animals in the marine ecosystem. <em>Calanus glacialis <\/em>is an important source of food for Arctic cod, capelin and little auk, while the amphipod <em>Themisto libellula<\/em> is the principal source of food for many diving seabirds, such as thick-billed murre and black guillemot. This gives <em>T. libellula<\/em> a key role in the Arctic marine ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>Species\u2019 preferences for different environmental conditions can be utilised in monitoring and studies of the effects of climate change. For example, the discovery of planktonic species typical of Atlantic water makes it possible to follow the transportation of Atlantic water up along the west coast of Svalbard and north to the Jermak Plateau, where it appears beneath cooler Arctic waters. Deeper water which is forced up onto the plateau carries with it deep-sea species, such as the copepod <em>Scaphocalanus magnus.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Species composition, prevalence, quantity and physiological processes are closely associated with the ocean environment. Changes in physical and chemical drivers (temperature, salinity, pH, current conditions) which are affected by climatic conditions could have major <u><a href=\"\/?page_id=15383\">consequences for the marine ecosystem<\/a><\/u>. Some species, such as the sea butterfly <em>Limacina helicina<\/em>, are also more susceptible in relation to ocean acidification<\/p>\n<h4>Monitoring<\/h4>\n<p>The species composition and biomass of zooplankton are covered by the <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosj.no\/en\/\">Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/a><\/u> system (MOSJ) and the management plan for the Barents Sea. The latter also covers the species composition of phytoplankton, biomass and production expressed as chlorophyll <em>a<\/em>, and the timing of spring blooming. Annual expeditions have been carried out in Kongsfjorden in Svalbard since 1996 in order to take samples along a transect extending from the innermost part of the fjord, over the shelf and Eggakanten and out into Framstredet. This marine time series is now the longest-running pelagic series in the Arctic, and is being carried out as a partnership between the Norwegian Polar Institute and the Institute of Oceanology in Poland. Indicators for phytoplankton are also being developed in the <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caff.is\">Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program<\/a><\/u> (CBMP) and the Norwegian-Russian environmental monitoring programme for the Barents Sea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-3ab5qn-6cf7d8e542599bc4632cf6b60e8f233a'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-12' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-12' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-12' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Benthic communities (bottom-dwelling flora and fauna)\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Benthic communities (bottom-dwelling flora and fauna)\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Benthic communities (bottom-dwelling flora and fauna)\">Benthic communities (bottom-dwelling flora and fauna)<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-12' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-12' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><figure class=\"media pull-right thumb\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption caption highslide-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media pull-right thumb\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption caption highslide-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media pull-right thumb\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption caption highslide-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside class=\"textbox pull-right\">\n<div class=\"textbox-content\">\n<section class=\"av_textblock_section\"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role='complementary' class='avia_textblock NP-factsheet-enfold alwaysToggle '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p class='title'>Benthos surveys<\/p><div class='hsep'><\/div><div class='NP-factsheet-content'><\/p>\n<p>Blacker (1965) identified seven species which were typical of Atlantic waters. Blacker compared the results of benthos studies conducted during the period 1949\u20131959 with results from 1878\u20131931. Blacker claimed that an increase in the influence of the Atlantic was responsible for several typical Atlantic species now being found along the west coast of Svalbard as far north as 80\u00b0N, species which, with few exceptions, had not been recorded there during the first period.<u><\/u><\/p>\n<p>Another example: The Environment Fund has supported a project which is to re-examine over 20 diving sites between Kongsfjorden and van Mijenfjorden, most of which were surveyed in 1979, with a view to possible use in future coastal zone planning, and determine whether the effects of climate changes which have been observed in Kongsfjorden can also be detected over a larger area.<\/div><\/div><div tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"NP-factToggle\" style=\"text-align:center;\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-down fa-2x\"><\/i><\/div><\/section>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h4>Benthic flora<\/h4>\n<p>Benthic flora are dominated by macroalgae, although some lichen species and microalgae live in the intertidal zone. At greater depths, benthic microalgae (in particular diatoms) can survive on the ocean floor if the light conditions are satisfactory.<\/p>\n<h4>Benthic fauna<\/h4>\n<div id=\"attachment_567\" style=\"width: 304px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-567\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-567\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-5-294x300.jpg\" alt=\"Sj\u00f8anemoner\" width=\"294\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-5-294x300.jpg 294w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-5-450x459.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-5-768x784.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-5-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-5-690x705.jpg 690w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-5.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 294px) 100vw, 294px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-567\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Several species of sea anemones at Sju\u00f8yane, Svalbard. Photo: Bj\u00f8rn Gulliksen<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Benthic fauna live on or just above the ocean floor, and can be divided into <strong><em>hyperbenthos<\/em> <\/strong>(live above the seabed), <strong><em>epifauna <\/em><\/strong>(live on the surface of the sediment or rocks) and <strong><em>infauna<\/em><\/strong> (live buried in the sediment). Hard bottom fauna live on rocks or bedrock, often as sessile individuals, while soft bottom fauna live on loose material that can be collected using a grab. Benthic fauna can be grouped according to their method of feeding (across taxonomic boundaries), i.e. those that filter the water masses, those that consume sediment and dead organic material (detritus), carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, salinity, ice conditions\/ice scouring, current conditions, light and nutrient salts (for algae) and habitat (type of substrate, exposure, etc.) are of importance as regards prevalence. The most common animal groups are sponges (Porifera), stingers (Cnidaria), bristleworms (Polychaeta), crustaceans (Crustacea), molluscs (Mollusca), moss animals (Bryozoa), echinoderms (Echinodermata) and sea squirts (Ascidiacea), as well as fish (e.g. sculpins and eelpouts). Typical species on hard bottoms are barnacles (<em>Balanus balanus<\/em>), green sea urchin (<em>Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis<\/em>), wrinkled rock-borer (<em>Hiatella arctica<\/em>), Iceland scallop (<em>Chlamys islandica<\/em>), bryozoa (<em>Tricellaria ternata<\/em>, <em>Eucratea loricata<\/em>), colony-forming sea squirts (<em>Synoicum <\/em>sp.) and sponges (<em>Haliclona aqueductus<\/em>). On soft bottoms, you will often find polychaetes (<em>Spiochaetopterus typicus<\/em>, <em>Maldane sarsi <\/em>and <em>Lumbrinereis <\/em>spp.), brittle stars (<em>Ophiura Robusta<\/em>, Ophiocten sericeum), snails (<em>Buccinum undatum<\/em>), burrowing molluscs (<em>Mya truncata<\/em>, <em>Serripes groenlandicus<\/em>) and soft-bottom corals (<em>Gersemia rubiformis<\/em>). The biodiversity can be high<u><\/u>, except in pools that are strongly affected by sedimentation. Key commercial species of demersal fish are cod, Greenland halibut and American plaice.<\/p>\n<p>A comparison of Sassenfjorden in Svalbard and a corresponding area in the North Sea showed little difference in overall diversity. On several of the small islands n<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_568\" style=\"width: 235px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-568\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-568\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-6-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mann i oljehyre holder krabbe\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-6-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-6-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-6-529x705.jpg 529w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-6.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-568\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow crab is a new species for the Barents Sea (first found in 1996), but it is uncertain where it comes from. Estimates show that the snow crab has considerable potential for harvesting. Photo: Cecilie H. von Quillfeldt\/Norwegian Polar Institute<\/p><\/div>\n<p>orth of Spitsbergen, there is solid bedrock and relatively little run-off from the land. Such locations can be home to large densities of sea anemones, for instance. Areas such as S\u00f8rkappbanken, Sentinelleflaket, Sjubreflaket and Breibogen are greatly affected by the Atlantic Current and are often characterised by bedrock and rocks. The species found here are generally sensitive to \u201cparticle rain\u201d supplied with meltwater, and they are often the same as on sloping bottoms in the fjords (e.g. at Kapp Linn\u00e9).<\/p>\n<p>The southern tip of Spitsbergen is also a biogeographic boundary, as the west coast is dominated by sub-Arctic species such as barnacles (<em>Balanus balanoides<\/em>), the rough periwinkle (<em>Littorina saxatilis<\/em>) and the amphipod <em>Gammarus oceanicus<\/em> in the littoral zone, whereas another amphipod, <em>Gammarus setosus<\/em>, dominates on the east coast.<\/p>\n<p>On the mainland, coral reefs are often referred to as a rare habitat type. No coral reefs have yet been found in Svalbard, although it is not unreasonable to expect them to be present (e.g. <em>\u201cLophelia <\/em>reefs\u201d), particularly on the southwestern side.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_566\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-566\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-566\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-4-300x197.jpg\" alt=\"Epifauna\" width=\"300\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-4-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-4-450x295.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-4-768x504.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-4-705x462.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-4.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-566\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Example of epifauna (benthic fauna on the sediment surface) in Wijdefjorden. Photo: Bj\u00f8rn Gulliksen<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Iceland scallop (<em>Chlamys islandica<\/em>) is normally found in areas exposed to strong currents at depths of 20\u2013100 m. In Svalbard, these scallops live to a maximum age of 25\u201330 years.<\/p>\n<p>The Iceland cockle (<em>Ciliatocardium ciliatum<\/em>) has been studied in connection with expeditions to the Svalbard zone. It is not certain to what extent this and the Iceland scallop are a food source for bearded seals and walruses, which have probably replaced the blunt gaper (<em>Mya truncata<\/em>) and the Greenland cockle (<em>Serripes groenlandicus)<\/em> as their main food. Iceland cockles can live for up to 30 years, while other species can live for more than 30 years. The wrinkled rock-borer (<em>Hiatella arctica<\/em>) can live to over 100, but it is difficult to determine the age of old individuals by counting dense annual growth rings. Analysis of growth in shells can provide important indications of changes in climate over time<u><\/u>.<\/p>\n<h4>Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<\/h4>\n<p>The Iceland scallop resources north of Svalbard were the largest in the Norwegian economic zone, and were exploited commercially from the mid-1980s. Fishing was suspended in 1992. Studies of shell-fields, including those around Moffen, every ten years, show good recruitment and increased shell density compared with the time when fishing was suspended. The Iceland cockle is considered to be a delicacy and is harvested elsewhere in Europe. This species and other large, burrowing molluscs, such as the Greenland cockle, are also potentially commercial resources in our territorial waters.<\/p>\n<p>Benthic communities will be affected in areas with bottom trawling. Only shrimp trawling and trawling for research and monitoring purposes are permitted within the protected areas of Svalbard.<\/p>\n<h4>Monitoring and research<\/h4>\n<p>Stationary bottom-dwelling animals in particular are suitable for impact studies and the monitoring of problems associated with climate change and environmental toxins, as the species composition reflects the local regime and will therefore be an important indicator of environmental quality.<\/p>\n<p>As benthic communities can provide valuable information concerning pollution in an area, regular studies of these communities can be useful in areas which have been colonised in order to draw comparisons with unaffected areas with similar fauna<u><\/u>.<\/p>\n<p>To a limited extent, benthic communities are covered by the regular monitoring programme, but species composition and numbers of benthic fauna, incidences of red king crab and prevalence of coral reefs, rugosa and sponges are <u>indicators in the Barents Sea management plan<\/u>. Indicators are also being developed in the <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caff.is\">Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program<\/a><\/u> (CBMP) and the Norwegian-Russian environmental monitoring programme for the Barents Sea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-irrbfz-073d6bcf463a4187bb0abd59cd80c108'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-13' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-13' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-13' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Ice biota (ice algae and ice fauna) \" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Ice biota (ice algae and ice fauna) \" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Ice biota (ice algae and ice fauna) \">Ice biota (ice algae and ice fauna) <span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-13' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-13' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><h4>Ice algae<\/h4>\n<div id=\"attachment_564\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-564\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-564\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-1-300x191.jpg\" alt=\"alger\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-1-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-1-450x287.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-1-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-1-705x449.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-564\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Algae on the underside of the ice. Photo: Bj\u00f8rn Gulliksen<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Ice algae are single-celled, microscopic organisms which are associated with ice and can act as colonies in the form of links or mats. They can occur anywhere on the ice, e.g. on the surface, in melt ponds, within the ice and in cavities and cracks, as well as on the underside of the ice, where they grow on ice crystals. The species composition and biomass are dependent in part on the age and structure of the ice, as well as the fact that there is a difference between fast ice and drift ice. The depth of the sea and distance to the land are important factors as regards which species are recruited to ice communities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_574\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-574\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-574\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034879-300x208.jpg\" alt=\"Gammarus wilkitzkii\" width=\"300\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034879-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034879-450x312.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034879-768x532.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034879-705x489.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/NP034879.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-574\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Gammarus wilkitzkii <\/em>is a characteristic species of multiannual ice. Photo: Fredrik Broms<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Given the right conditions, the growing season for ice algae can start up to two months earlier than for phytoplankton in the water masses. This is beneficial for Arctic zooplankton, such as the copepod<em> Calanus glacialis<\/em>. It rises from the depths in the early spring in order to graze on the ice algae, which contain a lot of energy in the form of sugar and fats. This is used for the development of eggs before spawning, and when the eggs hatch, the small nauplii utilise the subsequent phytoplankton blooms. A reduction or absence of ice in fjords, coastal areas and the open sea will therefore have consequences for total production in an area. However, there can be substantial annual variations in terms of both biomass and species composition. Ice algae that are not grazed become detached from the ice when the ice starts to melt and sink down through the water masses. If they are not eaten as they sink by zooplankton, they become a contribution to the benthic nutrient network. Some benthic communities are specially adapted to such periodic supplies of food. They may only be supplied with fresh algae from the overlying water masses on a couple of occasions a year.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_565\" style=\"width: 1040px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-565\" class=\"wp-image-565 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-2-1030x227.jpg\" alt=\"alger\" width=\"1030\" height=\"227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-2-1030x227.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-2-450x99.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-2-300x66.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-2-768x169.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-2-705x155.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Grupper_Bilde-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-565\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Nitzschia frigida, Nitzschia promare<\/em> and <em>Thalassiosira bioculata<\/em> are typical algae under one-year old ice. Photo: Else N\u00f8st Hegseth<\/p><\/div>\n<h4>Ice fauna<\/h4>\n<p>Ice fauna are animals which are associated with ice throughout all or part of their lifecycle. These include <strong><em>meiofauna<\/em><\/strong>, such as ciliates, nematodes and rotatories, and <strong><em>macrofauna<\/em><\/strong> which can be amphipods, copepods, fish (Arctic cod), seabirds and marine mammals. The latter are often known as \u2018charismatic macrofauna\u2019, with polar bears being an example.<\/p>\n<p>The amphipods <em>Apherusa glacialis<\/em>, <em>Onisimus<\/em> spp. and <em>Gammarus wilktzkii<\/em> play an important role in ice communities, as they generally make up the majority of the total biomass of the invertebrate ice fauna in the Barents Sea. <em>Apherusa glacialis<\/em> graze directly on the ice algae, while <em>Onisimus spp<\/em>. also eat detritus which consists of organic materials from animals and plants in the ice. <em>Gammarus<\/em> wilkitzkii can be approx. 5 cm long and is an important predator, and is itself food for diving seabirds and seals. It is considered to be a characteristic species of multiannual ice because it has a lifecycle that spans 5\u20136 years.<\/p>\n<h4>Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<\/h4>\n<p>Climate changes, which are leading to changes in the age, structure and distribution of the sea ice and fjord ice, could have substantial consequences for the composition and quantities of ice biota, which in turn will impact on the ecosystem. More about the <u><a href=\"\/?page_id=15383\">effects of climate changes<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n<p>Some <u><a href=\"\/?page_id=15329\">toxic compounds become incorporated into the ice<\/a><\/u> when the ice is formed, from both the water and the sediments which become trapped in the ice as it freezes. In addition, toxic compounds are deposited and accumulated on the ice after they have been transported there by air currents over long distances. These are often called \u2018long-range transported contaminants\u2019 and may for example originate from industrial production in Europe or Asia. The ice is thus a transport mechanism that collects together many contributions. Ice organisms will also be particularly vulnerable to toxic compounds with a long residence time in the upper water layers (e.g. some PCB and PAH compounds).<\/p>\n<h4>Monitoring<\/h4>\n<p>There is no regular monitoring of ice biota, but an ice biota network under the auspices of the <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caff.is\">Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program<\/a><\/u> (CBMP) collates available data concerning circumpolar species, quantities and occurrences as a basis for an assessment of status and trends in the Arctic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-43r78of-a47680859ebc3a3c62e30a16ed71276a'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-14' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-14' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-14' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Heterotrophic microorganisms \" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Heterotrophic microorganisms \" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Heterotrophic microorganisms \">Heterotrophic microorganisms <span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-14' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-14' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Heterotrophic microorganisms differ from autotrophic organisms in that they do not have the ability to form organic compounds through photosynthesis. They utilise nutrients from water, organic matter or other organisms. There are two main groups of heterotrophic organisms. <strong><em>Bacteria<\/em><\/strong> are single-celled microorganisms where organic molecules are taken up through the cell membrane. <strong><em>Protozoa<\/em><\/strong> are colourless flagellates and ciliates, which can take up nutrients in particle form (e.g. dead particles, algae, bacteria and small protozoa)<\/p>\n<p>Heterotrophic microorganisms are important in the remineralisation of nutrient salts, and they are grazed by larger microorganisms, as well as filtering animals, such as tunicates. The ecological and relative significance of bacteria versus protozoa varies according to the situation. These microorganisms belong to the microbial nutrient network, also known as the microbial loop. Much of the turnover circulates in this loop, while some is transported upwards in the food chain to the next trophic level, which could for example be represented by small crustaceans.<\/p>\n<p>Viruses are in addition to bacteria and protozoa. In practice, they are counted under microbiology, but they are not living cells. They are responsible for breaking down bacteria and can attack anything from algae to larger marine animals (such as fish and seals). Viruses attach themselves to the cells and inject genetic material which causes changes in cells and organisms, and can also trigger serious diseases.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div id='after_grid_row_5'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-15343'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-2g6b0q7-cc29092db40ab1e44cf2ee1dc43a031a av_one_full  avia-builder-el-30  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_one_full  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-10qk2lf-b87b356c27cfa5d178f391dd75863e6f\">\n.flex_column.av-10qk2lf-b87b356c27cfa5d178f391dd75863e6f{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:40px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-10qk2lf-b87b356c27cfa5d178f391dd75863e6f av_one_full  avia-builder-el-31  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_masonry_gallery  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div  column-top-margin'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-zaqi3n-619d6bbf7ad7a41bf4308b1eb6a512bc '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2 id=\"land-based-fauna\">Land-based fauna<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<div id='masonry-land' class='av-masonry av-yicjz7-61113b2a7c0ea3481b89cb1ab747c3d8 noHover av-fixed-size av-large-gap av-hover-overlay- av-masonry-animation-active av-masonry-col-flexible av-caption-always av-caption-style- av-masonry-gallery ' data-post_id=\"15343\"><div class=\"av-masonry-container isotope av-js-disabled\"><div class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item av-masonry-item-no-image '><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP019199.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP019199.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP019199-300x198.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\"  aria-label=\"image NP019199\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-2215' data-av-masonry-item='2215' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-2215 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"NP019199\" alt=\"Fjellrev\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP019199.jpg);\"  title=\"NP019199\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349.jpg 660w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349-450x265.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349-300x176.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\"  aria-label=\"image Naturtyper_Bilde-6\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-1810' data-av-masonry-item='1810' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-1810 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Naturtyper_Bilde-6\" alt=\"fugl som st\u00e5r i vann\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349.jpg);\"  title=\"Naturtyper_Bilde-6\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2-1030x773.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2-1030x773.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2-450x338.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2-1500x1125.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2-705x529.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image Svalbard ptarmigan\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-16934' data-av-masonry-item='16934' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-16934 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Svalbard ptarmigan\" alt=\"Svalbard ptarmigan\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/svalbardrype2-705x529.jpg);\"  title=\"Svalbard ptarmigan\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP036437.jpg_202078752.BF_.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP036437.jpg_202078752.BF_.jpg 700w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP036437.jpg_202078752.BF_-450x253.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP036437.jpg_202078752.BF_-300x169.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"  aria-label=\"image NP036437.jpg_202078752.BF\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-4870' data-av-masonry-item='4870' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-4870 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"NP036437.jpg_202078752.BF\" alt=\"Svalbardrein beiter\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP036437.jpg_202078752.BF_.jpg);\"  title=\"NP036437.jpg_202078752.BF\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009691-krykkje-GWG.jpg_1109469241.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009691-krykkje-GWG.jpg_1109469241.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009691-krykkje-GWG.jpg_1109469241-300x196.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\"  aria-label=\"image Black-legged kittiwake. Photo: Geir Wing Gabrielsen \/ Norwegian Polar Institute\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-4688' data-av-masonry-item='4688' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-4688 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Black-legged kittiwake. Photo: Geir Wing Gabrielsen \/ Norwegian Polar Institute\" alt=\"face of black-legged kittiwake\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009691-krykkje-GWG.jpg_1109469241.jpg);\"  title=\"Black-legged kittiwake. Photo: Geir Wing Gabrielsen \/ Norwegian Polar Institute\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1-1030x684.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1-1030x684.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1-450x299.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1-1500x996.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1-705x468.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image To hvitkinngjess. Foto: Geir Wing Gabrielsen \/ Norsk Polarinstitutt\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-5616' data-av-masonry-item='5616' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-5616 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"To hvitkinngjess. Foto: Geir Wing Gabrielsen \/ Norsk Polarinstitutt\" alt=\"To hvitkinngjess p\u00e5 berg.\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hvitkinngjess-1-705x468.jpg);\"  title=\"To hvitkinngjess. Foto: Geir Wing Gabrielsen \/ Norsk Polarinstitutt\" ><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1yv8w5r-7b9abaceb752c4fa47dd47d1891e346e av_one_full  avia-builder-el-34  el_after_av_masonry_gallery  el_before_av_layout_row  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  first flex_column_div  '     ><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av-layout-grid-6'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-3mtc4z-58-8bb31d952b1ea5b0a941dec795559eee entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-35  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_layout_row  NPtab-container grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-2hdcpv-57-ffe7a2865677e998bd128b79692dd47d av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-36  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='tab5'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-jkuuthdo-55-9e272a4f39f8e72229661bd148944db2 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-38  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_layout_row  tabcontent g2 grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-6ja1xv-54-f111280835d636eed09045eaed96ff0a av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-39  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><section  class='av_textblock_section av-2ea9oer-53-d0034da7d9219d860fd96fa1ae052767 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>Birds<\/h3>\n<p>Despite its location in the far North, the archipelago of Svalbard has a rich and diverse birdlife. Numerically, it is the seabirds that dominate, but the terrestrial ecosystem is also home to many species.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-px2q2r-a3c734c31ef88a04dbbd26ddea2eca88 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-41  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lda3cpnr-75d614f1db6871a1931cca5a7d936cc6'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-15' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-15' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-15' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Status\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Status\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Status\">Status<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-15' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-15' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>A large number of different bird species have been observed in Svalbard (212 as at 01.01.2015), but only 28 of them are considered to be habitual nesting birds. 13 species are considered to be sparse, irregular or probable nesters and a further 12 have been recorded as nesting on at least one occasion. The remaining species are sporadic guests. As climate change progresses, observations of new species are expected in its wake, either as vagrants or as nesting birds.<\/p>\n<p>Among the terrestrial bird species, the Svalbard rock ptarmigan and the snow bunting are probably the best known. The Svalbard rock ptarmigan is an indigenous sub-species of the ptarmigan and the only terrestrial bird that resides in Svalbard year-round. The snow bunting is a migratory bird, but, against that, is Svalbard&#8217;s only passerine.<\/p>\n<p>In summer, the terrestrial ecosystem gains a number of migratory species that nest in the tundra landscape. Common nesting species are the red-throated diver, the brent goose, the barnacle goose, the pink-footed goose, the purple sandpiper, the European golden plover, the dunlin, the grey phalarope, the ringed plover, the sanderling, the ruddy turnstone, the red-necked phalarope. Of these, the purple sandpiper is the commonest and most numerous species, the red-throated diver is spread over most of Svalbard, typically at smaller lakes and tarns, while the populations of barnacle goose and pink-footed goose have grown strongly in the last 30-40 years.<\/p>\n<p>Many of Svalbard&#8217;s birds are on the Norwegian Red List either because their populations are declining or they live as small, vulnerable populations at the extremes of their distribution ranges. This is the case for the waders (European golden plover, dunlin, red knot, red phalarope, sanderling, ringed plover and turnstone), long-tailed skua and brent goose.<\/p>\n<p>The seabirds constitute an important link between the marine and terrestrial ecosystems, by fertilizing the areas within and around the bird cliffs. This creates a resource for nutrient-rich vegetation, which the terrestrial birds exploit.<\/p>\n<div  class='avia-testimonial-wrapper av-3h3nhne-36-76695e72bfb54c054eb785276bd83100 avia-grid-testimonials avia-grid-3-testimonials avia_animate_when_almost_visible' >\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-3fdrp16-35-e66755a59859f0ab0c11067c8ceb8d23 avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/svalbardrype1-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Svalbardrype beiter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/svalbardrype1-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/svalbardrype1-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/svalbardrype1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/svalbardrype1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/svalbardrype1-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5084\">Svalbard rock ptarmigan<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-3d2w5mi-34-c8de64a05f0c06ea70494042d7c2916c avia-testimonial-row-1 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057232-e1519216840727-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"snow bunting\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057232-e1519216840727-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057232-e1519216840727-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057232-e1519216840727-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057232-e1519216840727-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP057232-e1519216840727-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5092\">Snow bunting<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-3chxwui-33-1dbf717b18f8e47b87bec2bdb34c7dc8 avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Fugl p\u00e5 stein i vann\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009705-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5093\">Red-throated diver<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-39unp6y-32-000d62c11ebb42183cdcc53d172ac0a8 avia-testimonial-row-2 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Ringg\u00e5s ligger i gresset\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP005712BF-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5099\">Brent goose<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-38qdaoq-31-63f7e2192f89e02da4bb87589d9e2950 avia-testimonial-row-2 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Barnacle goose\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP009675-hvitkinngxs-GWG_jpg_1451603857-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5138\">Barnacle goose<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-28-ba9f15d6ff379bdd899cd62ba4092436 avia-testimonial-row-2 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/KortnebbgasGWG-1030x726-1-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"kortnebbg\u00e5s\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/KortnebbgasGWG-1030x726-1-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/KortnebbgasGWG-1030x726-1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/KortnebbgasGWG-1030x726-1-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5133\">Pink-footed goose<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-20-41821312b9213c41f5904f47459c0815 avia-testimonial-row-3 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"fugl som st\u00e5r i vann\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Naturtyper_Bilde-6-e1522055658349-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5065\">Purple sandpiper<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-19-2f218f3fc55ef781a6845b4a68162876 avia-testimonial-row-3 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/myrsnipe3-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Dunlin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/myrsnipe3-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/myrsnipe3-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/myrsnipe3-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/myrsnipe3-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/myrsnipe3-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/myrsnipe3-900x900.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5115\">Dunlin<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-18-795a0e14f61f635bc3ea979e46748ce3 avia-testimonial-row-3 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/polarsnipe-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Grey phalarope\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/polarsnipe-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/polarsnipe-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/polarsnipe-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/polarsnipe-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/polarsnipe-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5100\">Grey phalarope<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-17-1ed2e8808c31f70db67ea91b21e472e4 avia-testimonial-row-4 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"European golden plover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Heilo-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5142\">European golden plover<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-16-9771de246744c6134425fa26d896daf2 avia-testimonial-row-4 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Ringed plover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/NP046515-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5095\">Ringed plover<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-15-551f3d7e66828097884553fd2ec549a1 avia-testimonial-row-4 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Steinvender st\u00e5r p\u00e5 berg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Steinvender_Turnstone_9027.jpg_421447845-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5088\">Ruddy turnstone<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-14-29627fa0d57ae685d16dcca3c0e9d95f avia-testimonial-row-5 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Svommesnipe_Red-neckedPhalarope20130614-3681.jpg_421447845-e1519380462752-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Red-necked phalarope swimming\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Svommesnipe_Red-neckedPhalarope20130614-3681.jpg_421447845-e1519380462752-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Svommesnipe_Red-neckedPhalarope20130614-3681.jpg_421447845-e1519380462752-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Svommesnipe_Red-neckedPhalarope20130614-3681.jpg_421447845-e1519380462752-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/Svommesnipe_Red-neckedPhalarope20130614-3681.jpg_421447845-e1519380462752-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5081\">Red-necked phalarope<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-13-baf660f4e06a8551a239676bc063766e avia-testimonial-row-5 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5094\">Sanderling<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-1g7d7zj-1d394591d6057a8762dcc6c20b3754de'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-16' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-16' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-16' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\">Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-16' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-16' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The terrestrial bird species are affected by various environmental factors, of which <a href=\"\/?page_id=15383\">climate change<\/a> is the most important. The Svalbard rock ptarmigan which lives year round in Svalbard is affected negatively by mild rainy winters with iced-covered grazing which prevents access to grazing plants and limits food availability. An earlier start to spring can cause changes in nesting biology and a mismatch between the time of hatching and the nutritional content and presence of important grazing plants for the chicks, which are specialists. Similarly, increasing goose populations may cause more competition with the indigenous herbivores, ptarmigan and reindeer, for important grazing plants.<\/p>\n<p>The Svalbard rock ptarmigan and pink-footed goose are harvested through annual small-game hunting by residents, visitors (only ptarmigan) and a few professional hunters. The Svalbard rock ptarmigan is the most popular and is harvested in the largest numbers, whereas far fewer pink-footed geese are shot. The population of pink-footed geese has increased rapidly as a result of a combination of land-use changes in the overwintering areas and climate change. A reduction of the population is desirable due to the strong influence that the pink-footed goose can have on processes and functions in the ecosystem, through, for example, pasture damage and competition for important grazing plants with the indigenous species.<\/p>\n<p>The terrestrial bird species are vulnerable to human traffic to varying degrees. The most vulnerable period is the nesting time before hatching, and species which nest in concentrations or colonies are most vulnerable. This is the case, for example, for the pink-footed goose and the barnacle goose. Here, human foot traffic and low-flying helicopters may contribute to lower reproduction. The pink-footed goose has proved to be most sensitive to disturbances. The goose species are also vulnerable during moulting, in July-August.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-2gb6rvz-cb98bd5ff7ebaae7807538af23d1e483'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-17' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-17' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-17' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Monitoring\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Monitoring\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Monitoring\">Monitoring<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-17' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-17' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The Svalbard rock ptarmigan has been included in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosj.no\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MOSJ (Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen)<\/a> since the annual monitoring began in 2000. It is proposed to include the pink-footed goose and barnacle goose in the scheme. The Svalbard rock ptarmigan and pink-footed goose are included in the COAT (Climate-Ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra) scheme. It is considered important to register all three goose species and the ptarmigan in the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.caff.is\/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=387&amp;Itemid=1187\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program<\/a> (CBMP).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='tab6'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-jkuuthdo-24-413a43f964a3a3421dd8fe7876cf3d62 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-43  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_one_full  tabcontent g2 grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-6ja1xv-23-31c4e76de9d2d6013d071871bca64d53 av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-44  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><section  class='av_textblock_section av-2ea9oer-22-5b8e879211ccadaba2d965e31f3fbc07 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>Mammals<\/h3>\n<p>Within Svalbard&#8217;s terrestrial ecosystem, only three species of mammal overwinter. The fauna consists of two herbivores: the indigenous Svalbard reindeer and a local, introduced population of the sibling and the predator and scavenger, the Arctic fox.<\/p>\n<div  class='avia-testimonial-wrapper av-3h3nhne-21-5c2288ef412eb8ac9b7ac3e08368c188 avia-grid-testimonials avia-grid-3-testimonials avia_animate_when_almost_visible' >\n<section class=\"avia-testimonial-row\"><div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-12-b1d030717d04d7bfb9658b6a1f034692 avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-first-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/reinsdyr-2.jpg_1571901652-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Beitende Svalbardrein\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/reinsdyr-2.jpg_1571901652-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/reinsdyr-2.jpg_1571901652-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/reinsdyr-2.jpg_1571901652-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/reinsdyr-2.jpg_1571901652-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5085\">Svalbard reindeer<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-11-5dfac540586c82d610d5164f8369f75e avia-testimonial-row-1 flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-180x180.gif\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Sibling vole\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-180x180.gif 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-100x100.gif 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-80x80.gif 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-36x36.gif 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-32x32.gif 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-50x50.gif 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-64x64.gif 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-96x96.gif 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/ostmarkmus.gif_1443326965-128x128.gif 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/species\/sibling\/\">Sibling<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='avia-testimonial av-37m1e62-10-12bb0e483f2c3ab9be30db3e454e795f avia-testimonial-row-1 avia-last-testimonial flex_column no_margin av_one_third'><div class='avia-testimonial_inner'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia-testimonial-image'  itemprop=\"image\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-180x180.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square size-square\" alt=\"Fjellrev\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/fjellrev-arctic-fox-NP019200-128x128.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-content '><div class='avia-testimonial-markup-entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/div><div class=\"avia-testimonial-meta\"><div class=\"avia-testimonial-arrow-wrap\"><div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class='avia-testimonial-meta-mini'  itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" ><strong  class='avia-testimonial-name'  itemprop=\"name\" > <a href=\"\/?p=5053\">Arctic fox<\/a> <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-e6cj4z-c84ae9d858732873642944ecdadc7d84 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-47  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-1cuv35b-6457fe5c80e1240527fffe9261f2666f'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-18' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-18' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-18' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities\">Impacts\/threats\/vulnerabilities<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-18' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-18' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><figure class=\"media pull-right\"><\/figure>\n<p>The mammals in the terrestrial ecosystem are vulnerable to and affected by <a href=\"\/?page_id=15383\">climate change<\/a>. Earlier snow melt in spring, warmer summers, longer growing season, milder winters with more precipitation and more frequent rainy periods will affect the food supply, living environment and the species&#8217; demographic rates (reproduction and mortality). The effect of icing episodes leading to increased mortality and lower reproduction in Svalbard reindeer and southern voles is well-documented. The <a href=\"\/?p=5053\">Arctic fox<\/a> is affected indirectly by tundra icing with a negative response in growth potential, delayed by a year, resulting from ice-covered reindeer pasture. The greatly increasing stocks of geese nesting in Svalbard may be a positive factor for the Arctic fox due to an increase in access to prey in the form of adult birds, chicks and eggs. The Arctic fox also depends on access to sea ice in the fjords in late winter during the birthing period of ringed seals in order to obtain food. A lack of fjord ice in the spring months may cause this food source to disappear. If the sea ice in the Arctic Ocean disappears, the Arctic fox population in Svalbard will be isolated, since they use the sea ice as a platform for moving between the Arctic land masses.<\/p>\n<p>Both the Arctic fox and <a href=\"\/?p=5085\">Svalbard reindeer<\/a> are harvested locally, but the present catch is not considered to affect the stocks notably. A restricted hunt of the reindeer for residents and a few professional hunters has been allowed in Svalbard since 1983. Between 117 and 235 reindeer are culled annually, in addition to a commercial quota. Residents catch Arctic fox in 25 hunting areas on Nordenski\u00f6ld Land and at Kongsfjorden in addition to a few professional hunters. Between 35 and 160 Arctic fox are trapped annually. Population monitoring data shows no clear indications of any consistent decline in population size despite the Arctic fox having been hunted over a long period. Explanations for this are that trapping occurs in restricted areas and that the population&#8217;s growth potential and\/or immigration inhibits a reduction in its size.<\/p>\n<p>Human traffic may affect both species, perhaps particularly in late winter after a hard winter, if there is a lot of snowmobile traffic in key grazing areas (Svalbard reindeer), during calving periods for Svalbard reindeer and near den locations (Arctic fox). There is data from provocation studies of foot and snowmobile traffic for Svalbard reindeer. These say something about the impact of traffic on individuals but its significance for the population&#8217;s survival and reproduction is unknown. In areas of large and regular snowmobile traffic, much points to the ability of Svalbard reindeer to become habituated to such disturbances.<\/p>\n<p>Among the terrestrial species, it is only the Arctic fox that is subject to high levels of environmental toxins since it also feeds from the marine food chain. Otherwise, the terrestrial mammals are not so exposed to environmental toxins as marine species. The levels of toxins in Arctic foxes may be affected by climate change, since access to different prey species is strongly influenced by climate and the different prey have different levels of environmental toxins. There are reasons to believe that these high toxin levels may have negative effects on the foxes&#8217; health.<\/p>\n<p>The incidence of disease and parasites such as <em>Echinococcus multilocularis<\/em> and rabies in Arctic foxes is being investigated and is significant for animal health and the transmission of disease to other wildlife (reindeer) and human health (zoonosis).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-1g3wwof-60b6e2c005373c32f8fd813187c154a0'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-19' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-19' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-19' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Monitoring\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Monitoring\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Monitoring\">Monitoring<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-19' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-19' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox are included in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosj.no\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MOSJ (Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen)<\/a>. At present, there is no monitoring of southern vole or the incidence of the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm. Annual reports are made of reindeer population numbers for central areas of Nordenski\u00f6ld Land (1979\u2500&nbsp;) and on Br\u00f8ggerhalv\u00f8ya (1978\u2500&nbsp;) and the proportion of dens with pups in Adventdalen\/Sassendalen (1997\u2500) and on Br\u00f8ggerhalv\u00f8ya (1993\u2500). The numbers of culled reindeer and trapped Arctic foxes are also reported. Reindeer and Arctic fox are also key species for monitoring in the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.caff.is\/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=387&amp;Itemid=1187\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program<\/a>&nbsp;(CBMP) and in the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.coat.no\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Climate-Ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra<\/a>&nbsp;(COAT).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div id='after_grid_row_8'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-15343'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-n39qnj-7cbe5a98fe62b9d05ab1a2195d553c4a av_one_full  avia-builder-el-48  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  first flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-zaqi3n-25-654a217de7a2ae9080908d25937b58d2 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2 id=\"fauna-in-fresh-water\">Fauna in fresh water<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-zaqi3n-9-bf1b5ed41f3e900cc6bd4cd15365a0da '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Svalbard&#8217;s extreme isolation, in combination with its Arctic climate, has produced freshwater sites with very few species of plankton and benthic animals. Char is the only freshwater fish. Stoneflies, dragonflies, black flies and predaceous diving beetles are among the species found in most of the lakes of Northern Norway, but which have not yet been observed in Svalbard.<\/p>\n<p>The dominant bodies of water are shallow (under 2 m deep) ponds and small lakes created by permafrost. These often have a high production of insects and crustaceans, may be significant biotopes for birds, and are highly vulnerable to permafrost thawing. These permafrost-dammed pools do not normally support fish since they freeze through to the bottom in winter, whereas Arctic char live in effectively all the lakes in Svalbard below the marine limit that do not freeze through (are deeper than 2 m).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-josf0m5d-de3ae17129adbfcd9710c3c7b851af1c alternate_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-51  el_after_av_one_full  avia-builder-el-last  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-15343'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-lda38buo-cd3076a26ccb53a29a1ab44158d7db07 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-52  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lda36vfs-fd2e1b5599cbc1f17206032311f07827'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-20' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-20' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-20' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Related pages\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Related pages\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Related pages\">Related pages<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-20' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-20' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/species-archive\/\">Species<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/themes\/the-marginal-ice-zone\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marginal ice zone<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lda37c5g-626cc2236cf93dbe51505b7673c22836'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-21' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-21' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-21' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"References\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: References\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: References\">References<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-21' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-21' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a class=\"reflink\" href=\"http:\/\/science.sciencemag.org\/content\/308\/5727\/1429\" data-hoverbox=\"Smith, L. C., Y. Sheng, G. M. MacDonald &amp; L. D. Hinzman. &lt;a href=\">Disappearing Arctic lakes<\/a>. Science, 308: 1429\u20131429. 2005. DOI: 10.1126\/science.1108142<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lda38akg-ba0783d4f8a23875cc38779646aa002a'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-22' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-22' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-22' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"External links\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: External links\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: External links\">External links<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-22' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-22' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.seapop.no\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"st\">Seabird populations<\/span><\/a><span class=\"st\">&nbsp;(<\/span>SEAPOP)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosj.no\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Environmental Monitoring Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/a>&nbsp;(MOSJ)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.caff.is\/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=387&amp;Itemid=1187\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Programme&nbsp;<\/a>(CBMP)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.regjeringen.no\/en\/dokumenter\/meld.-st.-20-20192020\/id2699370\/\">Management plan for the Barents Sea<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.artsdatabanken.no\/rodlistefornaturtyper\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Norwegian redlist for nature types<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amap.no\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Arctic Monitoring And Assessment Programme<\/a>&nbsp;(AMAP)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":3607,"menu_order":10,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"emne":[],"class_list":["post-15343","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15343","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15343"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15343\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54668,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15343\/revisions\/54668"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3607"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15343"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15343"},{"taxonomy":"emne","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/emne?post=15343"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}