The situation in the Oslo Fjord is very serious, and animal and plant life is struggling to survive. As one of several solutions, the government is currently proposing a ban on the discharge of sewage from recreational boats into the fjord. The proposal will now be submitted for consultation.
– It's urgent save lives in Oslofjord. The government has already taken measures to reduce it high nitrogen emissions from sewage and agriculture. Now we want too introducing a ban for boat owners to freely discharge sewage into the fjord, says Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
The proposed ban means recreational boat owners cannot discharge sewage from their boat's toilet directly into their boat Oslo fjord. Alternatively, boat owners can discharge sewage from their own facilities into those connected to ports.
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Phosphorus and nitrogen are released into the fjord from sewage and agriculture
The condition of life in Oslofjord is very serious. Phosphorus and nitrogen are released into the fjord from sewage and agriculture. Torrential rains and large amounts of precipitation cause increased amounts of particles and brown substances to enter large rivers flowing into the outer Oslofjord. The result is darker water, beach sedimentation as well as algae blooms. IN several areas bottom waters, both in inner and outer fjords, also have low oxygen concentrations. The cod population is at historically low level, and kelp forests and kelp meadows, which are breeding grounds for, among others, cod fry are disappearing in several areas. The experience of bathers, boat users and other people engaged in outdoor activities is deteriorating fresh air.
A healthy fjord will be a joy not only for sailors
– We must take all possible measures to save Oslofjord. Healthy fjord will be a joy not only for sailors spending their summer on the water - says the Minister of Climate and Environment.
The proposal to ban the discharge of sewage from ships into the Oslo Fjord was prepared at the request of the Ministry of Climate and Environment Norwegian Directorate Maritime.
The hearing and more information about the application will be published on the Norwegian Maritime Directorate website in the New Year.
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Source: regjeringen
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