A tourist in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard has been fined NOK 12,500 Norwegian Kroner (£900) for approaching a walrus on an ice floe. The authorities stated that the man disturbed the walrus, which was lying on the ice, leading members of the public to report the incident to the local governor.
According to the law in Svalbard, individuals must conduct themselves in a manner that does not unnecessarily disturb wildlife. The tourist was brought to the governor’s office, where he accepted the fine for his actions.
Walruses in the Svalbard Archipelago were hunted to near extinction until they were protected by law in 1952. Despite decades of protection, the walrus population in the region remains low, with the species listed on the Norwegian National Red List as at risk of extinction.
To further protect the walruses, new rules for motor traffic at sea will be implemented next year. It will be illegal to approach walruses within 150 meters knowingly, with a speed limit of five knots for any motor traffic within 300 meters of the animals.
The governor’s office emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from walruses to prevent disturbance and ensure the safety of both the animals and people in the area. The incident serves as a reminder of the need to respect wildlife and adhere to conservation laws in sensitive ecosystems like Svalbard.