Norwegian interests and participation towards the creation of marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean

ABSTRACT Norway is an important player in Antarctic governance. As a claimant state with historic whaling interests, it has long held influence in decision-making. Today, Norway lands the largest catch of the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) while also leading innovations in sustainable management. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) – a 26-member body (including Norway) which manages marine living resources in the Southern Ocean – has been moving towards adopting a network of marine protected areas (MPAs). Norway has been very influential in this effort – at times supporting and at other times opposing. Here, our research seeks to understand how Norwegian interests in Antarctica – including historic, political and economic – impact the adoption of MPAs. To complete this research, we performed a content analysis of Norwegian government documents and CCAMLR meeting reports combined with interviews with key informants. Norway has shown a complex combination of support and concern, often related to economic interests, the role of science, and Norway’s positions in other global realms (e.g., the Arctic). A variety of themes emerged that help describe Norwegian positions and actions in the Southern Ocean MPA process: Norway as a leader in the Antarctic, and in global ocean industries and sustainability; Norway as an active supporter of international cooperation; the importance of science which informs utilisation and protection; and CCAMLR’s purpose as a marine living resource management organisation. This research helps provide insight into Norway’s positions and into understanding consensus in the CCAMLR MPA process.