Fined for disturbing a polar bear

In August, a vessel was in Lomfjorden in Hinlopenstretet in Svalbard. There, they observed a sleeping polar bear on land. A person on board used the ship's horn, causing the bear to wake up and move to another location. It was others on board the ship who notified the Governor of the incident.

The Governor considers the action to be disturbing the polar bear and that the action was done intentionally. The person has been fined NOK 50,000 for violating the Svalbard Environmental Act, Section 30 a, first paragraph. The fine has been accepted and paid.