Be better prepared for a crisis
The theme for this year's self-preparedness week is to practice. We encourage all residents to practice and take the necessary measures to strengthen their own preparedness.
Published 10/25/2023
Fine of NOK 10,000 for driving on the tundra
A foreign tourist who drove a car onto the frozen tundra has been fined NOK 10,000 for breaking the rules of the Svalbard Environment Act. The fine has been accepted.
Published 10/20/2023
Extends temporary recognition of foreign driving licences
The Governor has decided to extend the temporary recognition of foreign driving licenses for class B on Svalbard until 31 March 2024.
Published 9/22/2023
100,000 in fines for violating traffic ban in bird reserves
A Norwegian shipping company has been fined NOK 100,000 for violating the provision that all traffic in bird reserves is prohibited between 15 May and 15 August. The fine has been accepted.
Published 9/16/2023
Do not touch dead birds
The Governor has received many reports of dead birds and asks the public not to touch them.
Published 8/10/2023
Fined for violating the traffic ban in Bjørnøya nature reserve
A captain on a foreign cruise ship has been fined NOK 40,000 for sailing within the no-traffic zone in the Bjørnøya nature reserve. The fine has been accepted.
Published 8/9/2023
Fine for violation of the rules in the tourist regulations
A research institution has been fined NOK 40,000 for breaching the rules in regulations in tourism on Svalbard.
Published 8/8/2023
The polar bear is now in Hanaskogdalen
The polar bear is now on land on the other side of Adventfjorden, at the outlet of Hanaskogdalen. The Governor will try to drive it further northwest. The Governor asks people to be careful out in the field.
Published 8/8/2023
Boat traffic must stay south of the helicopter in Adventfjorden
The Governor asks that all boat traffic in Adventfjorden keep their distance and drive on the south side of the helicopter which is now following the polar bear that is swimming in the fjord.
Published 8/8/2023
Possible observation of polar bear
The Governor has received a report about a possible sighting of a polar bear in Bjørndalen this morning. The Governor is now trying to locate the bear and ask people not to visit the area and to be careful when traveling in the field.